Systems and methods for voice and data communications including a network drop and insert interface for an external data routing resource

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods by which voice/data communications may occur are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods are provided with a computing system having a multi-bus structure, including, for example, a TDM bus and a packet bus. An integrated communication system is coupled to a digital telecommunications link, the communication system providing voice and data communications to a plurality of users. At least a first packet bus is coupled to one or more packet-based devices and adapted for transferring packetized data to and from the system. One or more time division multiplex (TDM) buses are coupled to one or more telephony devices. Data routing resources are provided internal to the integrated system. A network interface module couples data to and from a data router external to the integrated system. The data router external to the integrated system is coupled to the first packet bus. Data is routed via the external data router through the network interface module and coupled to data channels of the digital telecommunications link, while voice data is selectively coupled to voice channels of the digital telecommunications link.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for transmittingand receiving voice and data in multiple modes, and more particularly tosystems and methods for multiple native mode voice and datatransmissions and receptions with an integrated, communications systemhaving a multi-bus structure, including, for example, a time divisionmultiplexed (“TDM”) bus, a packet bus, and a control bus, andmulti-protocol framing engines, preferably including subsystem functionssuch as PBX, voice mail, file server, web server, communications server,telephony server, LAN hub and data router, and method for performingtelephony and data functions using the same. In particular, the presentinvention is directed to a network drop and insert interface for anexternal data routing resource or other data resource which may coupledata through the integrated system to data channels of a digital networkcoupled to the integrated system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application contains subject matter that is related to thefollowing applications, all owned by the assigned of the presentapplication, which are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S.application Ser. No. 09/055,072, filed on Apr. 3, 1998, for Systems andMethods for Multiple Mode Voice and Data Communications UsingIntelligently Bridged TDM and Packet Buses; U.S. application Ser. No.09/055,036, filed on Apr. 3, 1998, for System and Method for GeneratingVoltages in Telephony Station Cards; U.S. application Ser. No.09/161,550, filed on Sep. 25, 1998, for Systems and Methods for MultipleMode Voice and Data Communications Using Intelligently Bridged TDM andPacket Buses and Methods for Performing Telephony and Data FunctionsUsing the Same; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/163,596, filed on Sep. 29,1998, for Systems and Methods for Multiple Mode Voice and DataCommunications Using Intelligently Bridged TDM and Packet Buses andMethods for Performing Telephony and Data Functions Using the Same; U.S.application Ser. No. 09/167,408, filed on Oct. 6, 1998, for Systems andMethods for Multiple Mode Voice and Data Communications UsingIntelligently Bridged TDM and Packet Buses and Methods for PerformingTelephony and Data Functions Using the Same; U.S. application Ser. No.09/283,101, filed on Mar. 31, 1999 for Systems and Methods For MultipleMode Voice and Data Communications Using Intelligently Bridged TDM andPacket Buses and Methods For Performing Telephony And Data FunctionsUsing the Same; and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/368,460, filed on Aug.4, 1999 for Systems and Methods For Multiple Mode Voice and DataCommunications Using Intelligently Bridged TDM and Packet Buses andMethods For Implementing Language Capabilities Using the Same (all ofthe foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference and arereferred to herein as the “Referenced Patent Documents”).

Businesses, particularly small to medium size offices, typically have aneed for a variety of voice and data communications. For example, atypical office might have a dedicated fax machine, using a dedicated orshared telephone line, one or more telephone lines for voicecommunications, perhaps coupled to a central or distributed voice mailsystem(s), and one or more computers or computer networks, often coupledto telephone lines via one or more modems. Many offices now use theInternet in some form for business communications or research or thelike, often by way of a modem or modem pool coupled to individualcomputers.

Typically, such business communication needs have been fulfilled withpiecemeal technical solutions, typically from separate equipment andservice vendors, and with separate hardware, software and designconsiderations.

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional small office communicationconfiguration. Voice communication system 1 typically is implemented byway of multiple analog trunks 16 from wide area network (“WAN”) 18. WAN18 often consists of a telecommunication network by way of a localtelephone company or other telecommunications service provider. Analogtrunks 16 may be directed through switching system 10, which may be aconventional PBX or similar telephone switch. Telephones 12 and voicemail system 14 are coupled to switching system 10. Often, dedicatedanalog line 16A is coupled to facsimile 44 for facsimile communications.

Data system 2 typically is implemented with a plurality of computers (orworkstations, etc.) 24 interconnected by way of packet network 26, whichmay be a standard Ethernet compliant network or other office network.Network 26 often is coupled to remote access server 32, which isconnected to one or more analog trunks 40, and which may include one ormore modems in a modem pool. Computers 24 may communicate with remotesystems via the modem pool of remote access server 32 over analog lines40 and WAN 42. Network 26 typically includes a connection to printer 22and file server 20. In more sophisticated systems, network 26 may becoupled to switching hub 28 and router 30, which is coupled to WAN 42over digital trunks 38. Data system 2 also may include a connectionbetween one or more of computers 24 to modem 36, which in term iscoupled to WAN 42 over dedicated analog trunk 40A.

Such a conventional system often is characterized by piecemeal equipmentand network solutions, limited or non-existent coordination andmanagement between voice system 1 and data system 2, non-optimized ornon-integrated equipment, and inefficient use of costly network services(telephone lines, data lines, etc.), such as duplicate and often idlephone and data network lines, often provided from multipleequipment/service providers. In general, such conventional systems areneither constructed nor operated in a manner to provide efficient andintegrated voice/data communications.

In addition, while systems described in the Referenced Patent Documentsincluded data routing resources, it is desired to be able to utilize thecapabilities of such a system also with external data routing or otherequipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to address various disadvantages ofsuch conventional communication systems. The present invention providesvarious systems and methods, perhaps more succinctly a platform, bywhich voice and data communications may occur in multiple modes andvarious protocols, and more particularly systems and methods formultiple native mode voice and data transmissions and receptions with acommunications/computing system having a multi-bus structure, including,for example, a TDM bus, a packet bus and a control bus, andmulti-protocol framing engines, preferably including subsystem functionssuch as PBX, voice mail and other telephony functions, email and/or fileserver, Internet server, LAN hub and data router. With the presentinvention, a platform and various processes are provided in which a TDMbus and a packet bus are intelligently bridged and managed, therebyenabling such multiple mode/protocol voice and data transmissions to beintelligently managed and controlled with a single, integrated system.

In preferred embodiments, a computer or other processor includes a localarea network controller, which provides routing and hubs and/or switchesfor one or more packet networks. The computer also is coupled to amultiple buffer/framer, which serves to frame/deframe data to/from thecomputer from TDM bus. The buffer/framer includes a plurality offramer/deframer engines, supporting, for example, ATM and HDLCframing/deframing, and raw buffering of voice data or the like. Thebuffer/framer is coupled to the TDM bus by way of a multiple port ormultiport switch/multiplexer, which includes the capability tointelligently map data traffic between the buffer/framer and the TDM busto various slots of the TDM frames. Preferably, a DSP pool is coupled toone or more switch/multiplexer ports and/or the buffer/framer in amanner to provide various signal processing and telecommunicationssupport, such as dial tone generation, DTMF detection and the like. TheTDM bus is coupled to a various line/station cards, serving to interfacethe TDM bus with telephone, facsimiles and other telecommunicationdevices, and also with a various digital and/or analog WAN networkservices. The present invention provides a platform by which processingfunctions may be switched to provide support for a wide range ofnetwork, vendor and application services.

With the present invention, a full PBX-type telecommunication system maybe provided by way of the computer/processor and associated telephonyhardware and software. Functions such as voice mail, automatedattendant, call forwarding, hold, transfer, caller ID, conferencing andother telephony functions may be similarly provided. While supportingsuch telephony functions in their native mode primarily by way of theTDM bus, the computer/processor also supports concurrent packet datatransmissions over the LAN subsystem and packet bus(es). As needed toefficiently support various voice/data communications in the particularoffice/work environment, the buffer/framer and switch/multiplexerprovide a multi-protocol router functionality, enabling the TDM bustraffic and the packet bus traffic to be intelligently bridged andmanaged without degradation of each other, and without requiringtranslation or transcoding. With the present invention, the same WANservices may be intelligently managed and controlled for simultaneousvoice, video, and data traffic.

The computer/processor supports a variety of applications, such asremote configuration, management and back-up, bandwidth allocation andcontrol, least cost routing, voice over Internet Protocol (or “voiceover IP”), as well various telephony related applications. In certainpreferred embodiments, audio/video data streams, including such as H.320and H.323 data streams, also are intelligently managed and controlled.In certain preferred embodiments, management applications (such as theSNMP protocol) enable the system to be remotely monitored and configuredvia a web browser-type access.

In accordance with the present invention, various telephony and datafunctions useful in offices and other settings may be more convenientlyand efficiently performed, and various methods for performed telephonyand data functions are provided in accordance with various preferredembodiments, of the present invention.

In particular, the present invention provides the capability to utilizesuch systems with external data routing or other equipment.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providesimultaneous voice, video and data communications with a single,integrated system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide anintelligently controlled and managed processor bridge between one ormore TDM buses and one or more packet buses.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anintegrated PBX, router and hub to support such simultaneous voice, videoand data communications.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide amulti-protocol buffer/framer and switch/multiplexer in order to providemulti-protocol routing and intelligent time slot mapping to the TDM bus,preferably including DSP resources coupled to the buffer/framer.

It is an object of the present invention to provide systems and methodsallowing a broad set of services and functions to co-exist in the samesystem, and leveraging shared resources while providing a high levelinterface and intelligence that allows for the shared resources to bedynamically allocated and re-allocated.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide variousmethods of performing telephony and data functions in novel and moreefficient ways, particularly in combination with the various preferredembodiments of systems in accordance with the present invention.

Other objects, features and advantages of the various embodiments of thepresent invention described herein will be apparent to those skilled inthe art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and other advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent by describing in detail the preferred embodimentsof the present invention with reference to the attached drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical, conventional office communicationsconfiguration;

FIG. 2 provides an overview of an office communications system inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates communications buses in accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 provides a software/hardware overview of an office communicationssystem in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the use of services/bandwidth allocation ruletable(s) in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a general flow chart for controlling incoming andoutgoing calls in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary configuration algorithm for an officeattendant type program in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary arrangement of configuration options ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 8A to 8D illustrate exemplary windows in accordance with preferredembodiments of the office attendant-type programs in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate windows for illustrating additionalfeatures/functions in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 10A to 10B illustrate preferred embodiments of the net messagewindows in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 11A to 11E illustrate various embodiments of the conferencewindows in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate preferred embodiments of video conferencingin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates additional preferred embodiments of the presentinvention utilizing advanced call logging features;

FIG. 15 illustrates a window from a remote administration/configurationapplication/applet in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16A illustrates a preferred exemplary embodiment of a chassis viewwindow in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16B illustrates a window for configuration of T-1 channels of aparticular communications system in accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16C illustrates a window for configuration of station ports of astation card in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16D illustrates a window for configuration of analog trunks inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16E illustrates a window for configuration of frame relay type WANresources in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16F illustrates a window for configuration of network settings inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17A illustrates various icons that may be presented to a remoteuser to perform remote diagnostics on the communication system inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17B illustrates a window for providing a trunk monitoring functionin accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17C illustrates a window for providing a link monitoring functionin accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17D illustrates a window for providing a station monitoringfunction in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17E illustrates a window for displaying trace information fromvarious software components, driver, etc. in communications system inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17F illustrates a window for providing a first level of tracinginformation in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17G illustrates a window for providing a second, higher level oftracing information in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17H illustrates a window for selecting certain timing and modeinformation in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a communication system in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a communication system in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a backup communication module in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a reconfigurable TDM clock source in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary main window in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the office communicator-type programs inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary screen pop window in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the office communicator-type programs inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates additional TAPI functionality in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 25-36 illustrate digital phone features and programming featuresof digital phones in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 37-43 illustrate windows used for configuring telephony featuresin accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 44-47B illustrate IP telephony features in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 48A-48E illustrate a preferred for an IP telephony-ordinarytelephony switchover in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 49A-49D illustrate aspects of model key information and backplaneencoded information in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 50A and 50 illustrate “drop and insert” interface and TDMswitch/MUX or, switch fabric modules in accordance with certainalternative preferred embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedisclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions and/or substitutionsare possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention,systems and methods are provided to enable voice, data, video and othercommunications to occur in an efficient and integrated manner,intelligently allocating and utilizing available communicationsresources. FIG. 2 provides an overview of such a system in accordancewith one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Communications system 50 provides an integrated system for controllingand managing communications such as in an office. Communications system50 communicates over ports 26 to file server 20, printer 22 and one ormore computers 24. Ports 26 typically includes a packet bus such asEthernet, “fast” Ethernet, ATM or other LAN technology (in otherembodiments, LAN technology, such as token ring, may be coupled to anappropriately configured port). Communications system 50 includesdevices for controlling ports 26, including controllers such as what areknown as a network interface controller (NIC), which may integrate amedia access controller (MAC) for control of and interface to ports 26.Connected to ports 26 may be a variety of devices, such as one or morefile servers 20, computers 24, printers 24 and other computing,peripheral or similar devices suitable for interconnection with ports26. Other network devices, such as routers, switches, bridges and thelike also may be connected to ports 26. In a one preferred embodiment,ports 26 is an Ethernet-type LAN to which is connected to a variety ofdevices as determined by the needs of the particular office/workenvironment. The present invention effective integration of the packetdata LAN and router-type functions with the telephony and serverfunctions, which enables unique operations and the initiation orcompletion of calls or transactions or the like, without having accessto traditional, dedicated devices, peripherals and communicationsservices.

It will be appreciated that communications system 50 also may implementhardware and software for additional network functions, which areincluded in alternative embodiments. Such network functions include, butare not limited to: name server, such as DNS (Domain Naming System,which is used in the Internet for translating names of host computersinto addresses) or WINS (Windows Internet Name Service, which is a nameresolution service that maps or resolves Windows networking computernames to IP addresses particularly in a routed environment); firewall(as is known in the art, a firewall is a hardware/software implementthat limits the exposure of a computing system such as communicationssystem 50 or computers coupled thereto to access from a computerexternal to the system, which may include a network level firewall orpacket filter that examines data traffic at the network protocol packetlevel, or an application-level firewall that examines data traffic atthe application level, such as FTP or file transfer protocol, email,etc.); proxy server (as is known in the art, a proxy server is a type offirewall that uses a process known as address translation to mapinternal user IP addresses to the IP address associated with the proxyserver firewall in order to provide extra security, etc.); DHCP (DynamicHost Configuration Protocol, which is a protocol which allows a serverto assign dynamically IP addresses to particular computers in real time,etc., which may support manual, automatic and/or dynamic addressassignment, which may be used to verify a particular computer'sidentify, temporarily assign it an IP address for a particular period oftime, and reclaim the IP address later for reassignment at theexpiration of the particular period of time, etc.); and/or email serveror gateway (which, as is known in the art, may be used to send andreceive emails and/or send and receive faxes for the computers connectedto the LAN or LANs, etc.).

Communications system 50 includes the functionality of what is known asa PBX (as will be described further). In preferred embodiments,communications system 50 is connected to a plurality oftelecommunication devices, such as telephones 12, facsimile 44 and othersuitable telecommunications devices and access and server functions(such as private voice mail, recording devices, WAN service interfacecards, etc.). What is important is that communications system 50 includeinterfaces for a plurality of telecommunications devices for theparticular and complete office/work environment and infrastructure.

Communications system 50 is coupled to WAN voice/data servicesnetwork(s) 58 through trunks 54. Voice/data services network(s) mayinclude private line, local or long distance carrier networks, Internet,intranet and/or any other current or future WAN-type network services.Trunks 54 may consist of high, medium or low speed digital and/or analoglines, either public or private, and in certain preferred embodimentsconsist of high speed dedicated resources such as what are known as T-1,PRI (Primary Rate ISDN), ATM, VDSL, HDSL, ADSL, DDS (Dataphone DigitalService, also called Digital Data System), wireless, cascade,proprietary and/or twisted pair analog lines from a local telephonecompany. What is important is the communications system 50 is coupled toWAN services, trunks and the like in a manner that the user, serviceprovider, administrator and/or algorithm has determined will provideadequate or required resources, on a cost-effective basis, for theparticular office/work environment and operating conditions.

In contrast to FIG. 1, the communications system of FIG. 2 provides anintegrated solution for voice and data communication services, to whichmay be connected the WAN network services and telecommunications,computing and other devices as determined by the particular office/workenvironment.

Referring to FIG. 3, various subsystems, components, buses and the likeof preferred embodiments of communications system 50 will be describedin greater detail.

Communications system 50 is controlled by host processor/systemresources 70, which in preferred embodiments include a computer powered,for example, by a commercially available or other microprocessor and anembedded and/or commercially available operating system. What isimportant is that processor/system resources 70 provide sufficientprocessing power, memory and storage resources (RAM, ROM, hard disk,magnetic or other storage, etc.), bus and other resources in order tocontrol the various subsystems and components as will be described. Inparticular, computer/system resources 70 enables automatic internalnegotiation, control and enabling of services and applications. Althoughnot expressly shown, processor/system resources 70 also may includeother components of a relatively high-end personal computer, workstationor server, such as a display device, keyboard, serial ports, parallelports, power supply and the like. The various subsystems and componentsof communications system 50 are intelligently controlled, managed andmonitored by processor/system resources 70. Processor/system resources70 provides system and server management software and the like, and aplatform for various server applications as described herein.

Host processor/system resources 70 is coupled to buffer/framer 72 viabus 84, which in preferred embodiments consists of a computer bus suchas what are known as a PCI bus or ISA bus (in other embodiments, othersuitable computer-type buses are utilized, which may include proprietarylocal buses). Buffer/framer 72 includes buffer 71 and preferablyincludes a plurality of multi-protocol framing/deframing engines, suchas for what are known as asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) or high-leveldata link control (HDLC) protocols, which may be synchronous orasynchronous. In other embodiments, other communication protocolframers/deframers are provided, as may be desired by the particularoffice/work environment. Buffer/framer 72 in certain preferredembodiments includes, for example, one or more ATM framers/deframers 73Aand one or more, and preferably a plurality of HDLC framers/deframers73B. Although not expressly shown, buffer/framer 72 includes othercontrolling circuits (such as a slot mapping memory,multiplexers/demultiplexers, arbitration, control and other circuitry)such as, for example, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,018 to DeJager,et al. for “MULTI-PROTOCOL PACKET FRAMING OVER AN ISOCHRONOUS NETWORK,”which is hereby incorporated by reference. As will be described ingreater detail, buffer/framer 72 includes the capability to transfer rawor protocol-processed data, which may be mapped to particular slots ofTDM bus 78 and made available on different ports. Buffer/framer 72 iscontrolled by processor/system resources 70 as diagrammaticallyindicated by control line(s) 92 (control line(s) 92 may be implementedas part of a bus structure, such as bus 84). In preferred embodiments,processor/system resources 70 includes redundant disk or other storage,redundant power supplies and data back-up to magnetic or other media inorder to enhance fault tolerance of the system.

Processor/resources 70 also may be connected to DSP 76. DSP 76preferably consists of a single digital signal processor ormulti-digital signal processor resource pool, which serves to provide avariety of functions within communications system 50. In preferredembodiments; DSP 76 generates dial tones (such as for telephones 12),DTMF digit detection and decoding, echo cancellation, coding/decodingfunctions, voice conferencing, voice compression, voice recognition andthe like. In other embodiments, DSP 76 performs data compression,transcoding, processing for voice communications using an Internetprotocol (“IP”) or other voice over other network protocol or the like.In general, DSP 76 provides a set of processing and memory resources tosupport the various voice/data services controlled and managed byprocessor/resources 70. As illustrated by bus connection 84A, DSP 76alternatively may be coupled directly to TDM bus 78.

Switch/multiplexer 74 communicates bidirectionally with buffer/framer 72and preferably from DSP 76, as illustrated, over bus 86.Switch/multiplexer 74 also communicates with TDM bus 78, as illustrated,over bus 90. TDM bus 78 preferably is a time division multiplexed bus asis known in the art (such as, for example, what is known as an MVP ormulti-vendor integration protocol type bus, or what is known as anSCSA-type bus (SCSA is an acronym for Signal Computing SystemArchitecture)), and provides in certain preferred embodiments 256channels/slots per TDM frame (the present invention is not limited to asingle TDM bus; in alternative embodiments, more than one TDM bus orother types of TDM buses are utilized). TDM bus 78 allows communicationbetween devices on the bus by way of circuit switching techniques. Thistype of switching allows for simple and inexpensive communication ofvoice through, for example, what are known as pulse code modulation(“PCM”) techniques. Switch/multiplexer 74 preferably is implemented withone or more switching/serial time division multiplexing circuits, suchas, for example, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,921 to Swenson, et al.for “ISOCHRONOUS SERIAL TIME DIVISION MULTIPLEXER,” which is herebyincorporated by reference. Switch/multiplexer 74, under control ofprocessor/system resources 70, provides the capability for variousvoice/data signals to be controllably switched to desired slots of TDMbus 78.

Coupled to TDM bus 78 are line, station, trunk, or other interface cards82. Cards 82 provide CODEC, line interface, off-hook detect and otherfunctions as are known in the art to support various telecommunicationdevices (such as telephones 12 and facsimile 44) and WAN-type networkservices (such as voice/data services 58) that are communicating withcommunications system 50 via TDM bus 78. In preferred embodiments cards82 provide points of termination for a plurality of telephones 12, oneor more facsimiles 44, and various T-1, PRI, ATM, analog and/or otherWAN-type network services as determined by the particular office/workenvironment. Cards 92, under control of processor/system resources 70,may include points of termination for emergency or backup telephoneservices and the like, such as in the event of a power failure or toprovide analog services in the event a dedicated resource such as a T-1is unavailable for some reason.

Communication system 50 also may include fax modem 75, which, undercontrol of processor/system resources 70, may process incoming/outgoingfacsimile transmissions. In the preferred embodiment, fax modem 75 iscoupled to TDM bus 78 as illustrated, although in other embodiments faxmodem 75 may be coupled in alternative arrangements, such as toswitch/multiplexer 74 and/or DSP 76.

Communication system 50 also may include available card slots on TDM bus78 for one or more module upgrade 77. Additional resources and/orfunctionality may be added to communication system 50 as needed by wayof module or line card upgrade(s) 77, or by, for example, the additionof one more cards such as ATM controller 79B and DSP 79C. Through theuse of such module upgrades or additional cards, etc., one or moreminimal configurations of communication system 50 may be provided, withadditional resources and/or functionality added by the insertion ofadditional cards to TDM bus 78. Further aspects relating to upgrade andreconfiguration-type functionality of such line cards are describedbelow in reference to FIG. 21. In accordance with preferred embodimentsof the present invention, software upgrades for processor/systemresources 70, or for other resources in the communications system, alsomay be applied.

Processor/system resources 70 also is coupled to one or more packetbuses, such as packet buses 80A and 80B, which may be through a bus suchas LAN bus 81. Effectively, packet buses 80A and 80B provide multiplehubs or switches to intercommunicate between one or more packetnetworks, which in preferred embodiments are Ethernet networks. Itshould be noted that the bus configuration of FIG. 3 may be considered“logical”, and in preferred embodiments the physical bus configurationmay be such that TDM bus 78 and packet buses 80A and/or 80B are part ofthe same physical bus. In such embodiments, packet buses 80A and/or 80Balso can intercommunicate directly with central resources (such asprocessor/system resources 70) as well as station cards and WAN cards(or any other cards) coupled to the TDM bus (this is illustrated in FIG.3 by card 79D, which is a card simultaneously inserted into/coupled toboth TDM bus 78 and packet bus 80A and which may comprise, for example,a combined LAN interface/functionality and central office (or other WANinterface) card. Such a combined interface card, which may support bothLAN and WAN functions (such as described elsewhere herein), enablessubstantial advantages over conventional systems.

Coupled to packet buses 80A and/or 80B are a variety of computing-typedevices, such as computers 24, printer 22, other computers, fileservers, backup or storage resources, other networks and the like.Processor/system resources 70, in software and/or hardware, provides aLAN/network subsystem, which includes routing and other relatedfunctions to support data communications to and from packet buses 80Aand/or 80B and TDM bus 78, etc., through several paths or methods.

In preferred embodiments, a more direct connection between packet bus80A and/or 80B may be established by way of embedded router or bridge83. Router/bridge 83 includes a CPU, TCP/IP controller, router, stack,Ethernet interface or other functionality as may be desired to coupleLAN bus 81 to, for example, one or more HDLC controllers 79A. Throughthe use of router/bridge 83, communications between packet buses 80A and80B may be accomplished while consuming minimal resources ofprocessor/system resources 70.

Referring now to FIG. 21, additional aspects of preferred embodiments ofthe present invention will now be described.

One such aspect relates to the upgradeability of TDM bus 78 switchcircuitry or “fabric,” via software (e.g., RAM based firmware), and viahardware upgrade (e.g., adding new line cards with upgraded switchfabric to a TDM bus containing existing legacy line cards). TDM bus 78is driven by a clock sync 455 in a first line card 453. This line cardis equipped with additional circuitry, e.g., flip-flop 454 and tri-statedrivers 461 and 462 that allow the isolation of the clock sync 455 fromTDM bus 78 upon installation of a higher performance second line card463 with a second clock sync 464. This example illustrates that theswitch fabric of TDM bus 78 can be upgraded to a higher performing busdriven by a different clock sync 464, while still enabling the use ofolder first line card 453. Thus, first line card 453 may still use TDMbus 78, but with an insulated clock sync 455, while the TDM bus 78 isdriven by the improved clock sync 464, and thus enabling a higher,performing bus to second line card 463. Through this aspect of thispreferred embodiment, additional features and functionality arepossible. Due to the firmware basis for this switch fabric afforded bythe use of tri-states (e.g., firmware control of the state of tri-statedrivers/buffers such as drivers 461 and 462, such as by writingconfiguration or control data to a register or other location forcontrolling such tri-state devices, etc.) to effect the relationshipbetween the clock source and TDM bus 78, the reconfigurable nature ofthe switch fabric on TDM bus 78 can be controlled via software, e.g.,performance upgrade or for increasing fault tolerance. With multipleclock sources located on cards connected to TDM bus 78, the particularclock source that is driving the bus can be selected under softwarecontrol to adjust for faults, e.g., framing errors and the like. Thisredundant aspect to such a TDM bus structure in accordance with suchembodiments ensures greater fault tolerance and better overallperformance. Additionally, because the switch fabric is controllable viasoftware, the remote control of these features is possible, e.g., in aclient/server context, such as described elsewhere herein.

While the present embodiment is illustrated with reference to animproved clock source located within the second line card, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that other improved features withina second line card can be incorporated to reconfigure thecharacteristics of TDM bus 78 (e.g., a first line card with a first setof features, and a second line card with a second set of features orfunctions, may be incorporated into the system and coupled to TDM bus78; under software or firmware control such as described above, thesystem may be remotely configured such as by selectively enabling ordisabling, such as by tri-state isolation from TDM bus 78, some or allof the features/functions of the first or second line cards, etc.).

Referring now to FIG. 3A, additional aspects of preferred embodiments ofthe present invention will now be described.

As discussed in reference to FIG. 3, communications system 50 includesat least three (3) separate types of busses, e.g., TDM bus 78, packetbus 80A (or 80B), etc., and control bus 92, etc. In arranging suchdifferent busses, preferred embodiments of the present invention utilizean arrangement that desirably configures such busses into a passivebackplane that may be used to plug in various printed circuit boards,cards, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, busses 92, 80A and 78 are physically arrangedas part of system bus 406. Bus 408 is provided, for example, to serve asa bus for a computer backplane, such as a personal or other computerincluded in processor/system resources 70 (e.g., a computer system bus,such as what are known as PCI or ISA buses, etc.). Various boards orcards, etc. 400A, 400B and 400C may be physically plugged into sockets402 and 404. Sockets 402 are provided for making electrical connectionto bus 408, and sockets 404 are provided for making electricalconnection to bus 406. It should be noted that, preferably, two rows ofsockets 402 and 404 are provided, with at least certain of sockets 402being positioned adjacent to and aligned with sockets 404. In thismanner, boards such as board 400A may be coupled to bus 406 through oneof sockets 404, board 400B may be coupled to both bus 406 and bus 408via one each of sockets 404 and 402, and board 400C may be coupled tobus 408 through one of sockets 402. In accordance with such embodiments,bus 406, which includes control bus 92, packet bus 80A, and TDM bus 78,may be coupled to boards that couple only to bus 406 and also boardsthat couple to both bus 406 and bus 408. As will be appreciated, aplurality of sockets and boards may be provided, with one or a pluralityof boards similar to board 400A, one or a plurality of boards similar toboard 400B, and/or one or a plurality of boards similar to board 400Cmay be desirably provided in communications system 50.

It also should be noted that, in preferred embodiments, bus 92 issimilar in form to a standard ISA or PCI bus (although preferablymodified/optimized for the particular implementation of communicationssystem 50) and provides desired control to the various components andsubsystems of communications system 50 (as described elsewhere herein).In addition, TDM bus 50 may consist of, for example, 256 channels at 64Kbits/second. Packet bus 80A may support one or a plurality (e.g., 3, 4,5 or more) of Ethernet or other packet buses, such as 100 M bit, fullduplex Ethernet capability or similar functionality (although only onesuch bus in illustrated in FIG. 3A).

In accordance with such embodiments, boards may be conveniently coupledto bus 406 and/or 408, which facilitates manufacture, upgrade,maintenance, etc. of communications system 50. It also should be notedthat bus 408 may be, for example, an industry standard bus, such an ISAor PCI or similar bus, thereby enabling ready connection of availablePC-type boards to communications system 50 if so desired for theparticular application. Such a multi-backplane construction providessignificant advantages in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 provides a software/hardware overview of an office communicationssystem in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. It should be noted that the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3,with appropriate software in processor/system resources 70, may providethe software/hardware described in connection with FIG. 4, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

At the server applications level, various software applications may beprovided for operation in conjunction with the hardware illustrated, forexample, in FIG. 3. Such software applications may include what are knowas least cost routing (“LCR”), best quality of service (“BQOS”) andbandwidth (“B/W”) rules 21. LCR, BQOS and B/W rules 21 provide tables,information, rules and/or algorithms by which data and voicecommunications may be allocated and/or controlled with respect to, forexample, the various types of voice/data network services that areavailable to communications system 50. Such information may include thecurrent cost of utilizing various resources (based on time of date,amount of usage, integrated amount of usage over some period of time,etc.), and also priority rules for the various types of communicationsprovided by communications system 50. For example, phone calls may beassigned a priority 1, facsimile calls a priority 2, VoIP calls apriority 3, facsimile over IP calls a priority 4, category 1 datacommunications a priority 5, and other data communications a priority 6.In preferred embodiments, the priority assignments may change by time ofday or month, and/or the priority assignments may be different withrespect to different network resources and the like.

Server encryption applications 23 may be provided in order to provideencryption or similar coding or processing of voice/data communicationsprocessed by communications system 50. VoIP gatekeeper 25 may beprovided to service and control voice over Internet protocol (“VoIP”)communications. As more specifically described below, various types ofVoIP communications may be effectively managed and controlled inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, such as,for example, a determination that acceptable conditions exist on theInternet for such communications. Directory 27 may be provided in orderto make various types of directory information available to users ofcommunications system 50. Directory information provided by directory 27may include names, telephone extensions, address or other personal orwork information regarding persons or departments, etc., serviced bycommunications system 50. Directory 27 also may include similardirectory type information for persons or departments, etc. in a remoteor other locations, such as may be accessed through voice/data services58.

In general, with the present invention other applications 29 may beprovided to support various types of communications in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention.

Intelligent/dynamic B/W, service and resource management 31 is providedto effectively and efficiently control and allocate and de-allocateservices and, communications resources, such as in accordance with LCR,BQOS, B/W rules 21 (e.g., rules to enable lowest cost, highest qualityor otherwise desirable management and control of network or otherresources, etc.) or other applications 29 or the like. B/W management 31also receives as inputs information indicating the total number andtypes of network resources (of voice/data services 58, for example) thatare available to communications system 50, and their status andavailability at any given point in time. B/W management 31 may receiveas an input, or may generate internally, information indicating how muchof a measured usage resource may be available at a given point in time(for example, “frame relay,” “private virtual channel” or other networkservices may be provided on the basis of a predetermined amount of datatransmission per fixed time period for a fixed price, with additionalcharges for usage in excess of the predetermined amount, etc.). As morefully described below, based on the currently available and currentlyutilized services and resources, B/W management 31 may allocate andde-allocate such services and resources in a desired and/or costefficient manner.

Additionally, other aspects of such embodiments with regard to serviceand resource management will now be described. Specifically, the use ofrealtime bandwidth and protocol statistics to assist in theadministration of services and resources will now be described. With theexample of a T1 connection, this aspect of such embodiments involves thecollection and reporting of performance data statistics according toestablished specifications, e.g., RFC 1406, AT&T TR54016, and ITU G.821,the documentation and specifications of which are hereby incorporated byreference. In this example, the statistics can be derived from registersadapted for storing information for the following: CEC (CRC ErrorCount), FEC (Framing Error Count), CSS (Controlled Slip Second), CVC(Code Violation Counter), and LOFC (Loss of Frame Count). Under controlof, for example, processor/system resources 70, such registers may beread at predetermined intervals (or by locally generated or remoterequests, etc.), and the following exemplary statistics of performancedata or other statistics may be made available:

Errored Second (ES): Preferably a second consisting of a CRC error or aframing error or a controlled slip. Preferably, not counted duringunavailable seconds.Bursty Errored Second (BES): Preferably, framing=ESF (1<CEC<320).Preferably framing=D4 (1<CVC<1544). Preferably not counted duringunavailable seconds or severely errored seconds.Severely Errored Second (SES): Preferably framing=ESF (CEC>=320) or anout of frame error. Preferably framing=D4 (CVC>=1544) or an out of frameerror. Preferably not counted during unavailable seconds.Severely Errored Framing Second (SEFS): Preferably a second containingone or more framing errors (FEC).Unavailable Second (UAS): Preferably incremented by one every second thedriver is in the unavailable signal state. Preferably an unavailablesignal state is declared when 10 consecutive SESs are detected andcleared when 10 consecutive non-SESs are detected; when declared any ES,BES, and SES errors that occurred during the 10 seconds are subtractedfrom the counters and the UAS counter is incremented by 10; when clearedany ES and BES seconds that occurred during the 10 seconds are added tothe counters and the UAS counter is decremented by 10. Preferably, ifthe 10 second transition occurs over an interval boundary both intervalsare adjusted accordingly.

Such statistics, and others similar to these, can be used to analyzeeach protocol to assist in B/W allocation and management, as well asoverall administration, such as described elsewhere herein. Suchinformation can be stored within the system and/or displayed on a user'sscreen via a direct LAN/WAN connection such as described herein,including through the use of HTML and widely available web-browsingsoftware. Those skilled in the art will recognize that it may bedesirable to monitor other kinds of real time protocol and bandwidthstatistics in other environments.

Services 37, which may be supported by database storage 35 (which may beprovided as a part of processor/system resources 70), include dataswitching services, router services and PBX station services. Ingeneral, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, and utilizing resources such as described in connection withFIG. 3, various communication-related services may be advantageouslysupplied by communications system 50.

For example, data switching services may be provided such as byLAN/NDIS/DDI drivers 39 (LAN, NDIS and DDI being exemplary) throughhardware modules such as switched Ethernet 45 and hub 47. Routingservices may be provided such as through WAN drivers (specific networkservices such as PRI and T-1 being exemplary) through hardware modulessuch as T-1 module(s) 49, ISDN module(s) 51, central office-plain oldtelephone service (CO-POTS) module(s) 53, V.35 module(s) (it should beunderstood that various hardware modules may be utilized in accordancewith preferred embodiments of the present invention, as desired toimplement the various data switching, routing and other communicationsconnections as may be determined by the needs of the particularoffice/work environment. PBX station services, such as automatedattendant, reception, voice mail and the like, may be provided throughstation manager 43. Station manager 43 provides hardware for connectionto various telecommunications devices, such as phones 12, facsimile 44,etc. In general, station manager 43 provides sufficient interfacehardware in order to connect to the various devices that may bedetermined by the needs of the particular office/work environment).

Additional features particularly of hardware components of suchembodiments involving detection operations incorporating or utilizingDSP resources such as are included in preferred embodiments will now bedescribed (DSP resources included in such embodiments are described, forexample, in connection with FIG. 3. A technique for determiningcharacteristics of an analog line is to send a known signal (preferablya known tone or combination of tones or frequencies of known energy,etc.) down a line, and convert a predetermined frequency (orfrequencies) of a returned signal from the analog line to a voltage orto otherwise process the returned signal; characteristics of the analogare determined based on the voltage or otherwise from informationextracted from the returned signal. In preferred embodiments thereturned signal is processed by DSP resources (see DSP 76 of FIG. 3) inorder, for example, to perform a Fast Fourier Transform (“FFT”) or othersignal processed on the returned signal. As example, particularfrequency bands in the returned signal could be evaluated to determinewhether a phone is physically connected to the line (e.g., an analogphone typically presents a 10K ohm impedance to the line in an on-hookcondition, the presence of which could be determined by evaluation ofthe returned signal. In preferred embodiments, DSP resources couldevaluate the returned signal energy, again preferably with an FFT, andthe presence and/or type of telephone device physically attached to theline could be assessed/determined, and still preferably an assessment ofthe quality of the particular line could be made based on such ananalysis of the returned signal.

Such signal processing could be done periodically or upon detection oferrors, start-up or reboot, or upon initiation of a diagnostic ormaintenance routine. With remote administration and configurationcapabilities as described elsewhere herein, such phone presencedetection, line quality assessment, etc., could be conducted from aremote location (such as enabling a central system administration to“map” the presence of phones to particular lines in a remotely locatedsystem. In accordance with such embodiments, such capability enables asimilar functionality to the link status indicators that may beavailable on network ports. Such link status information for analogtelephones can be incorporated into a visual representation of thesystem, easily viewable remotely via an HTTP link over the Internet, forexample (such remote viewing of the physical status of a system, i.e.,“chassis view,” is described elsewhere herein). It should be understoodthat this approach to obtaining line status and information can easilybe applied to other aspects of telephone lines. For example, the linecondition, or suitability for high speed data transfer, or perhaps thehighest speed available on a particular line (e.g., “speed grading” or“speed characterization” of individual lines) can be measured.

In still other embodiments, applying such techniques (i.e., sending aknown signal down a line and analyzed a return signal, etc.) informationpertaining to the Central Office can be obtained, for example,information about the Central Office battery (voltage of 20-50 volts)can be measured that indicate the distance to the Central Office as wellas its presence, etc. Other aspects of such analog line or otherdetection can easily be realized through this method and beneficiallyused in other applications. For example, specific capabilities of theline and/or the device at the other end (including a Central Office,etc.) of the line can be detected, during on-hook and off-hookconditions, all of which may be initiated in a remote manner, viewedgraphically, etc., as described elsewhere herein.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a general flow chart will be described forillustrating the use of services/bandwidth allocation rules inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Server applications, such LCR, BQOS, B/W rules 21, may be considered tohave various rule sets, such voice rules 93, data rules 95 and dial-uprules 97 (other rule sets may be provided). Communications system 50monitors inputs (illustrated as monitor input block 91 of FIG. 5), andbased on such inputs and the overall service/network resourcesavailable, and in accordance with voice rules 93, data rules 95 anddial-up rules 97, allocates and de-allocates resources (illustrated asallocate/re-allocate resources block 99 of FIG. 5).

Exemplary operations of such preferred embodiments will now bedescribed.

In the event a user picks up one of telephones 12, an off-hook conditionis detected by the appropriate card 82, which signals processor/systemresources 70 of the off-condition. Processor/system resources 70controls switch/multiplexer 74 to couple the appropriate card 82 to DSP76, which generates a dial tone that is coupled to the appropriatetelephone 12. The user hears the dial tone and may then proceed to placethe desired call. DSP 76 detects the digits of the telephone number ofthe desired call and provides the detected digits to processor/systemresources 70. For an internal call, processor/system resources 70directs that the called internal telephone receive a ring signal fromthe appropriate card 82. Upon pick-up of the called internal telephone,the telephone connection between the internal phones is established byway of TDM bus 78 and the appropriate cards 82.

For an external call, processor/system resources 70 attempts toestablish the desired connection through the appropriate cards 82 andavailable voice/data services 58. In attempting to establish such avoice communication connection, processor/system resources preferablyfollows the general flow illustrated in FIG. 5. Namely, in accordancewith available resources (such as of voice/date services 58) and rulessuch as voice rules 93, data rules 95, dial-up rules 97, etc., anexternal voice communication may be established by, for example, a POTSline connection, an ISDN B channel, a VoIP connection, etc. Inaccordance with the present invention, resources may be allocated forthe processing of such an external call based on the available resourcesat the particular time and applicable rules (which may include time ofday, priority of call, etc.)

Incoming calls are detected by the appropriate cards 82 and signaled toprocessor/system resources 70. Connections of voice incoming calls totelephones 12 are established under control of processor/systemresources 70 over TDM bus 78.

Still additional operational advantages and features in accordance withstill additional preferred embodiments of the present invention will nowbe described.

PBX and Telephony-Related Functions

With the hardware of preferred embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 3,various novel and/or improved or more efficient communications functionsmay be obtained. As noted in FIG. 2, with the present invention aplurality of workstations or computers 24 may be connected tocommunications system 50. Although only a single LAN is illustrated inFIG. 2, as illustrated in FIG. 3 two or more LANs may be coupled tocommunications system 50, with a plurality of computers coupled to eachof the two or more LANs, etc.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, oneor more of computers 24 may execute a PBX/telephony control applicationsoftware program. In accordance with the PBX/telephony controlapplication, hereinafter referred to as the “office attendant type”program, control of the telephony and related functions ofcommunications system 50 may be intelligently managed and controlled.With such an arrangement, one or more computers on the LAN may be usedto control incoming and outgoing calls of the office using the computerin a natural and intuitive manner. A telephony headset or telephonepreferably is associated with the particular computer that will berunning the office attendant type program to enable traditional voicecommunications with incoming callers, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a party desiring to control the incoming andoutgoing calls and/or station to station calls of the office (“attendant1”) may log-on and run the office attendant type program from one of thecomputers connected to the LAN connected to communications system 50. Atstep 100, attendant 1 may be required to enter an appropriate username/ID and password in order to recognize attendant 1 as an appropriateuser to assume control of the telephony functions of the office. Anetwork or systems administrator may set up password control for partiesauthorized to run the office attendant type program. At step 102, inpreferred embodiments the computer running office attendant type programhas downloaded to it the current telephone subscriber directory such asover packet bus 80A or 80B of FIG. 3 (e.g.: a complete listing of thetelephone subscribers; extensions; status information such as do notdisturb, forward and forwarding information, forward to voice mail, huntgroup information, etc.) from communications system 50. In this manner,the computer or computers running the office attendant type program maylocally contain current subscriber information for controlling theincoming and outgoing calls of the office. In preferred embodiments,communications system 50 automatically determines when subscriberinformation changes, e.g., a subscriber has been added to or deletedfrom the telephone directory, or an extension has changed, or asubscriber's status information has changed, or any state associatedwith communications system 50, etc., in order that updates may be timelymade available. In such embodiments, computers running the officeattendant type program may be updated promptly and automatically bycommunications system 50 so as to contain current subscriber informationon an ongoing basis to more efficiently control telephony operations ofthe office. It also should be noted that in preferred embodiments thesubscriber information also may include other information, such as theemail address and extended directory information including personalinformation manager (“PIM”) information of the particular subscriber andnetwork identification for a computer associated with the particularsubscriber. With such information, net messages or other communicationswith particular subscribers may be facilitated as more fully describedherein.

It also should be noted that this subscriber download concept isapplicable in various forms to all computers coupled to communicationssystem 50. For example, communications system 50 includes informationregarding all users registered in the PBX (i.e., all users having atelephone extension and/or computer coupled to communications system 50such as over the LAN or WAN). Thus, in the event of a subscriberdirectory change, communications system 50 may “broadcast” updatedsubscriber directory information to all computers coupled tocommunications system 50, or, in alternate embodiments, communicationssystem 50 sends a net message, email or other message to such computerscoupled to communications system 50 that prompts the users of suchcomputers to the availability of the subscriber directory update (e.g.,the remote computers received a message indicting the availability ofthe subscriber directory update, which preferably includes an “accept”icon and a “reject” icon, thereby enabling the user to receive or notreceive the update as he/she may desire).

This concept may be extended to system speed dial buttons (as describedelsewhere herein), and other information that may be desirablycontrolled and distributed in/from a central location (e.g.,communications system 50) in a particular office setting. For example, acompany organization chart, financial reports, informational reports,etc. may be centrally stored, etc., which may include being maintainedby a system administrator-type person for communications system 50. Inaccordance with such embodiments, centrally-controlled information maybe broadcast to all users, or a selected subset of such users(communications system 50 also preferably accesses/stores informationregarding the registered users, such as title, department, positionwithin the company; e.g., Vice President, engineering department, salesand marketing department, etc.). Thus, a centrally-maintaineddocument/file, such as a company organization chart, financial report,etc., may be conveniently distributed to computers coupled tocommunications system 50. Preferably, communications system 50 recordswhich computers receive such information (for example, a record of thosecomputers logged-on and receiving the information at the time it isfirst distributed), and thereafter may distribute the information toother computers at a later time (for example, at a later time when theusers of such computers log-on to communications system 50). Asdescribed previously, such embodiments also may prompt the individualusers whether they wish to receive the information, and thereafterprovide the information to those computers whose users affirmativelyindicate that they desire to receive the information.

In step 104, the computer running the office attendant type programoptionally may run a configuration routine to more optimally configurethe office attendant type program on the particular computer for controlof the telephony operations. At step 106, the computer running theoffice attendant type program is in a ready condition for processingincoming or outgoing calls or the like.

Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary configuration algorithm for an officeattendant type program will now be described. At step 108, the userselects a configuration icon or otherwise initiates a configurationcommand on the computer running the office attendant type program. Atstep 110, the office attendant type program displays a choice ofconfiguration options. FIG. 7 illustrates options such as passwordchange option 112, contact or personal information manager (“PIM”)import option 114, user interface configuration option 116 and otheroption 118 (other option 118 indicates other configuration options thatmay be presented to the user to more optimally configure the officeattendant-type program for the particular user or operating environment,etc). At step 120, the computer running the office attendant typeprogram has completed the configuration process and is in a readycondition for processing incoming or outgoing calls or the like.

An exemplary arrangement of configuration options for such aconfiguration algorithm is illustrated in FIG. 7A. As illustrated, byconfiguration window 111, a user may be presented with configurationwindows such as user interface configuration window 113, contact or PIMimport window 117 or password control window 121. As an illustrativeexample, user interface window 113 may include icon 115 for displayingmenus or windows for tailoring the user interface for the particularuser and operational parameters; exemplary user interface optionsinclude user selectable tones, sounds, or volumes for indicate incomingcalls, line status conditions, programmable call capacity before routingcalls to another computer running an office attendant-type program or toan automated call answering algorithm of communications system 50,visual display options to vary the computer display (such as size, colorof icons or background, etc.) of the screens of the particular officeattendant type program, etc. What is important is that a particular userrunning an office attendant-type program on a particular computer mayconfigure user interface-type attributes to more optimally configure thecomputer that the user will use to control the incoming and outgoingcalls of the office, etc. It should be noted that, although othercomputers coupled to communications system 50 may simultaneously berunning an office attendant-type program, each such computer inpreferred embodiments may be independently configured to be more optimumfor the particular computer users.

Other configuration windows illustrated in FIG. 7A include contact orPIM import window 117 and password control window 121. PIM import window117 may include icon 119 for displaying menus or windows for importingcontact information from a PIM-type software program or database. Inaccordance with such embodiments, contact information to be used by theuser running the office attendant type program may be readily importedfrom a PIM-type information database or contact list (which may beresident on the particular computer, in communications system 50 or onanother computer coupled to a LAN), thus saving the time from enteringcontacts from a manual or electronic list. Password control window 121may include icon 123 for displaying menus or windows for enabling theuser to change his/her password. In preferred embodiments, the officeattendant-type program(s) used to control telephony functions ofcommunications system 50 utilizes password protection to preventdatabase tampering and the like and also to prevent unauthorized use ofthe Office Attendant-type program(s).

Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, additional aspects of theseembodiments relating to office communicator-type programs (running on/inconnection with processor/system resources 70, etc.) will now bedescribed. These types of programs can be used in connection with theoffice attendant-type programs described elsewhere herein. Officecommunicator-type programs typically differ from office attendant-typeprograms in the types of functions they are optimized to perform. Forexample, the users of office communicator-type programs typicallyinitiate and terminate calls, whereas the users of office attendant-typeprograms typically also route calls. FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplarymain window of an office communicator-type program, and FIG. 23illustrates an exemplary screen pop up window for such a program.

Referring to FIG. 22, the Main Window preferably includes a smallappearance GUI footprint including three low profile line statusindicators. Office communicator-type programs preferably do not includea ‘Calls in Queue’ or a ‘Calls on Hold’ indicator. Alternative views ofthis window can be sized and displayed to take up less physical space onthe screen for the end user. Such feature buttons allow additionalfunctionality to be added into the program, for example, multiple callparking features can be added. In this example, there are two types ofpark: Self-Park and System Park. Self-park preferably parks the call atthe extension of the person parking the call. Hence, if an outsidecaller calls extension x125 and the user at x125 answers and self parksthe call, then the user at x125 can page and announce “Pick up x125”.System park returns a parking address, or slot number of a predeterminednumber of parking spaces that the system allocates for such callparking. Hence, if an outside caller calls extension 125 and the user atx125 system parks the call, then the display on ext 125's officecommunicator-type program will read: “Call Parked on <slot number>”,e.g. “Call Parked on 2”. Then the user at x125 can page, and announce“Pick up 2”.

Referring now to FIG. 23, such an office communicator type program thatis optimized for general telephone and computer use, can include ascreen pop window as illustrated. The main user interface illustrated inpart in FIG. 22 preferably consists of a three-line display. However,this main user interface is not intended to be maximized at all times.When an incoming call arrives, the screen pop illustrated in part inFIG. 23 will slide out and occupy a small portion of the screen to letthe user know that there is an incoming call, and provide callerinformation to the user. In addition, such a screen pop may incorporatea visual signal, e.g., a rotating telephone icon, to help indicate thata call is trying to get through. When there are new messages at theextension, the screen pop will also appear to indicate (via anappropriate icon or other indicia, preferably rotating or otherwisemoving in order to attract visual attention, etc.) that there is amessage waiting. For making outbound call and other simple/more frequentcall control operation, a toolbar with basic call control functionspreferably is provided to the user. Other visual and operationalvariations suitable for other working environments will be apparent fromthe above discussion.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, additional exemplary preferred features ofsuch embodiments will now be described.

A user can answer incoming calls by point-and-click using the mouse, byusing the keyboard or by using the phone. The user is notified of anincoming call by both visual and/or audible effects. Users can makeoutbound calls either using the mouse, by using the keyboard or by usingthe phone.

When an incoming call arrives, if the phone is in TAPI mode and thephone is off-hook with no dial tone, the user can answer the call viathe software application (e.g., mouse click on an appropriate icon,etc.). When an incoming call arrives and the user is already on anothercall, the user will be signaled of the incoming call on both theapplication and the handset (e.g., beep). Users preferably are notifiedof the caller id on the screen by the application, and he can answer thecall by the application or by the phone (e.g., hitting the Flash).

The user preferably may initiate a call from the application. If thephone is on-hook, preferably the phone would ring to indicate that theuser has to pick up the handset to dial out. Once the handset is pickedup, the call may then be made. The user preferably then hears ring-backon the handset. Alternatively, if the phone is already in TAPI mode, thecall would be made immediately and the user would hear ring-back on thehandset.

The user preferably may also initiate a call from the phone. The userwould pick up the phone and hear dial tone. He or she can then dial thenumber from the phone set. When the user is already on another call andhe wants to make another call by the application, he can choose to putthe current caller on hold and dial the number, or the application wouldautomatically put the current caller on hold when he dials the number.When the user is already on another call and he wants to make anothercall by the phone, he can put the current caller on hold by hitting‘FLASH’ on the phone and dial the number.

The user can put a current call on hold using the mouse, by using thekeyboard or by using the phone. By making an outbound call, or answeringanother call from the application, the current call can automatically beput on hold by the application. The user can put the current call onhold from the phone, for example, by hitting ‘FLASH’ on the phone set.

The user can transfer the current call to another extension or to anoffsite number by using the mouse, the keyboard or the phone. Theapplication supports two types of transfer i.e. Blind and Consultation.Blind transfer is transferring the caller to the destination numberwithout talking to the person at the destination. Consultation transferis transferring the caller to the destination number after talking tothe person at the destination. The application would support both typeof transfer with a single user interface to maintain the simplicity ofusage.

The user can transfer the current call to another extension or to anoffsite number from the phone by hitting ‘Flash’. The user will thenhear the dial tone. The user will then enter the transfer destinationphone number. For blind transfer, the user hangs up the phone before thedestination answers to complete the transfer. For consultation transfer,the user talks to the transfer destination, and hangs up the phone tocomplete the transfer.

The user can join two calls on the extension by using the mouse, thekeyboard, or the phone. By hanging up the handset when there are twocalls on the extension would join the two calls together.

The user can create a conference call with many attendees including theuser by using the mouse, the keyboard, or the phone. The user can addconference attendees to the conference from the application by using themouse or the keyboard. The conference attendees can already be on holdat the extension, or the user can dial out to the conference attendeesto invite them to conference. The user can also add conference attendeesby using entering the feature codes on the phone set. Regardless of howthe conference is initiated (either by phone or by application), theuser preferably may add additional attendees by using either the phoneor the application.

For removing conference attendees, the attendees can hang up their phonevoluntarily. If it is desired for certain attendee to drop out of theconference, the conference master can use the application to selectivelydrop the attendee. The user can also drop the conference call andallowing other attendees to continue with the conference call if he orshe is the conference master.

When there are new voicemail messages on the extension, there will be amessage waiting indication both on the phone set (e.g., a blinking LED),and the application (e.g., a rotating mailbox icon). On the application,the message waiting indication will be on the main user interface aswell as the screen pop.

NetMessage is a feature preferably provided on the application.NetMessage can be initiated and received by any computers running officecommunicator-type programs or office attendant-type programs. Theapplication provides two types of NetMessage i.e. transferring a call orleaving a text message.

Transferring a Call

During the transfer of a call, if the destination extension is on thephone or on DND (Do Not Disturb), the application preferably presents 3options to the user. The user can put the caller on hold, sent thecaller to the voicemail of the destination, or send a NetMessage to thedestination's computer. On the receiving end of the NetMessage, the userwould see a dialog box on his machine with the text message and 2options i.e. accepting the call or ignore the call. If the user choosesto accept the call, the call automatically transfers from the originatedextension to the destination. If the user chooses to refuse the call,the application will notify the originated user that the call wasrefused.

Leaving a Text Message

Anyone that is running either an office attendant or officecommunicator-type programs can initiate a NetMessage anytime. NetMessagein this scenario is just a text message posted on the destinationmachine. The receiver has the option of replying to the message.

PIM Integration

The user can import the contacts that have been stored in any of thesupported PIM software. The user can then choose to put them in anyfolder he wants. After importing, he can then organize the contacts intodifferent folders. The user can export the contacts that he has storedin the personal folders to any of the supporting PIM software format.

Office communicator-type programs provide the user with a screen popwhich will appear on the screen when an incoming call arrives. Thescreen pop can do a lookup to a PIM database for records matching thecaller id information of the call, and display this information evenwhile the call is still ringing. This feature can be used in a varietyof useful ways. For example, the end user can see customizable databaseinformation connected to the caller that could assist the end user indeciding how to (or even whether to) answer the call. Off-site CallForwarding, Trunk to Trunk Transfers & Conferences

Off-site call forwarding (OSCF): In this scenario, an internal orexternal call (call 1) terminates on the target station directly or viaAA (auto attendant). The target station has configured the user forwardnumber to an external number (ie: 9-555-1234). The system places anoutgoing call to the external number and connects call-1 to this trunk.This results in a trunk to trunk or station to trunk call depending onthe source of call-1.

Trunk to Trunk Transfer (TTT): In this scenario an incoming externalcall-1 terminates on station via either DID, DIL, AA. The user answerscall-1 putting the connection from incoming trunk to internal station inthe connected state. The user flashes and transfers call-1 to an offsitenumber (9-555-1234) or transfers call-1 to an extension that isforwarded off-site (off-prem forwarding).

Trunk to Trunk Conference (TTC): In this scenario an incoming externalcall-1 terminates on station via either DID, DEL, AA. The user answerscall-1 putting the connection from incoming trunk to internal station inthe connected state. The user flashes putting call-1 on hold and dials(call 2) an offsite number (9-555-1234) or extension that is forwardedoff-site (off-prem forwarding). Once call-2 is connected the userflashes and completes the conference. The user (conference master) thenhangs up which allows call-1 and call-2 to stay connected via trunk totrunk.

The above, of course, are merely illustrations, and many other usefulvariations will be apparent to skilled artisans from the presentteachings for answering calls, PIM integration, transferring calls, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A to 8D, exemplary windows from illustrativepreferred embodiments of office attendant-type programs in accordancewith the present invention will now be described. As illustrated in FIG.8A window 130 includes one or more line displays 132 (five are shown inFIG. 8A for illustrative purposes) for indicating various telephonelines available in the particular application of communications system50. The number of telephone lines, of course, may be tailored for theparticular application. Preferably positioned adjacent to line displays132 is call/line status display 148 for displaying symbols adjacent toeach line indicative of the status of the line, such as idle, phoneringing, active call in progress, call on hold, hold recall alert, etc.Status display 148 provides a ready visual indicator to the user of theoffice attendant-type program of the status of the various telephonelines that are being monitored. Also adjacent to the line displays (asillustrated adjacent to status display 148) are user identificationdisplays 150, which serves to display the name and/or extension ortelephone number of one or both parties to a call. In certainembodiments, caller ID type information may be obtained bycommunications system 50 from an appropriate interface card (seeinterface cards 82 of FIG. 3) and also displayed on displays 150.Displays 150 also may display a clock indicating the duration of a callon a particular line.

In preferred embodiments, window 130 also includes calling featurebuttons or icons such as dialpad icon 134, feature icon 136, system icon138 and/or contacts icon 140. Other icons may include call log icon 142and/or configuration icon 144. Dialpad icon 134 preferably results inthe display of a dialpad, such as dialpad window 165 in the lower leftcorner of window 130. Feature icon 136 preferably results in the displayof a set of feature buttons as will be described in connection with FIG.8B. System icon 138 preferably results in the display of a set of systembuttons as will be described in connection with FIG. 8C. Contact icon140 preferably results in the display of a list of contacts/contactfolders as will be described in connection with FIG. 8D. Call log icon142 preferably results in the display of one or more windows displayinglog-type information for incoming or outgoing calls controlled by theoffice attendant type program. Call log information may be retained onthe particular computer running the office attendant type program and/orcentrally stored by communications system 50. Configuration icon 144prompts one or more configuration windows, examples of which have beendescribed elsewhere herein. Help icon 146 also may be provided in orderto display help information to the user of the office attendant-typeprogram.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, holdicon 180 is provided to enable a caller to be readily put on hold by theoffice attendant type program user. Transfer icon 178 is provided toenable a caller to be readily transferred by the office attendant typeprogram user (transfer are discussed in more detail in connection withFIGS. 9A through 9C). Hangup icon 176 is provided to enable a caller tobe readily disconnected by the office attendant type program user. Netmessage icon 174 is provided to enable a net message to be sent by theoffice attendant type program user (net messages are discussed in moredetail in connection with FIGS. 10A and 10B). Conference icon 172 isprovided to enable conferences to be established by the office attendanttype program user (conferences are discussed in more detail inconnection with FIGS. 11A through 11E). Answer next icon 170 is providedto enable the office attendant type program user to sequentially answercalls, such as, for example, in a situation in numerous calls have comein a short period of time, and the user wishes to sequentially accesssuch calls. Preferably, the answer next icon prioritizes calls on holdhigher than new calls, although in preferred embodiments the priority ofhold calls versus new calls may be programmed into communications system50.

Dialpad window 165, accessed in response to activation of dialpad icon134, displays a visual keypad, much like a traditional telephony keypadwith buttons 164, and also preferably includes other buttons such ascall button 168 (for initiating calls), clear button 166 (for clearingnumber or information, such as subscriber information, displayed ondisplay 162 (display 162 also may used to input numeric or characterinformation such as for a subscriber, and also may have a menu pull-downicon as illustrated to display a menu of, for example, subscriberinformation)), personal button 156 (which may be used, for example, tomake personal contact or PIM information available in display 162),system button 160 (which may be used, for example, to make systemcontact information available in display 162), or both button 158 (whichmay be used, for example, to make both personal contact or PIMinformation and system contact information available in display 162).

Referring now to FIG. 8B, window 182 is illustrated with feature box 184shown, which may be displayed through the use of feature icon 136.Feature box 184 includes one or more configurable feature buttons 186.Such feature buttons enable a configurable environment for the officeattendant type program user, by enabling particular tasks to beconfigured for particular feature buttons. As illustrative examples,such task/features may include dialing particular calls, forwardingcalls to another extension, transferring calls to another extension,unforwarding calls, setting do not disturb for particular extensions,dialing international or special toll calls or the like, or other tasksthat a particular user may find desirable to have accessible with asingle or very few clicks of the computer mouse or pointer. Theparticular feature buttons preferably include textual informationdescriptive of the particular feature or task associated with thedisplayed button. In preferred embodiments, feature buttons may be addedor deleted as desired by the particular user.

Referring now to FIG. 8C, window 188 is illustrated with system box 190shown, which may be displayed through the use of system icon 138. Inpreferred embodiments, system box 190 includes a plurality of systembuttons 192, which provide essential contacts, such as emergency numbers(e.g., police or fire or building security), the numbers particular todepartments or officers in the particular company, branch officenumbers, etc. With the use of system box 190, a user may have readilydisplayed the numbers of essential or important contacts, which may beconnected with a single click of the computer mouse or pointer. Thenumbers or contacts associated with particular system buttons may beprogrammed by the user, but more preferably are programmed by theadministrator of communications system 50 and downloaded in a mannersimilar to the subscriber information as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 8D, window 194 is illustrated with contacts box196 shown, which may be displayed through the use of contacts icon 140.Contact box 196 preferably includes a directory of contacts for thecompany of the user (illustrated generally as folder and contact tree198), and also preferably contact or PIM-type information that may beobtained by importing from a PIM-type program or database resident incommunications system 50 or on one or more of the computers coupled tocommunications system 50. Through the use of contacts icon 140 andcontact box 196, contact information may be quickly provided to theoffice attendant type program user with a single or very few clicks ofthe computer mouse or pointer. In alternative embodiments, caller IDinformation is available to communications system 50, which may be madeavailable to the office attendant-type program. In such embodiments, theoffice attendant-type program or a companion program may associate acontact with the caller ID information, and thereafter display contactinformation to the user.

In preferred embodiments, calls may be directed to the computer runningthe office attendant type program because a main number has beendirected to this computer (and its associated telephone or headset), orbecause calls have been forwarded to the office attendant type program,or because a called party is on the phone, has indicated the calledextension is “do not disturb,” etc. In such situations, the officeattendant type program user may need to transfer calls to otherextensions, either inside the office or outside the office.

Preferably, persons in the office have a computer running a program incompanion with the office attendant-type program. Such windows mayinclude, for example, an animated icon, caller ID information, etc., andmay include one or more icon the clicking of which causes the call to beanswered. In such preferred embodiments, the office attendant typeprogram may cause one or more windows to appear on the computers ofparticular persons in the office, such as a person to whom a call isbeing directed. As an illustrative example, a call may come in throughWAN services network 58 (see, e.g., FIG. 3) and be directed to a maintelephone number, which may be designated to be forwarded to a telephoneassociated with a person running the office attendant type program on aparticular computer 24, and may be so directed by way of TDM bus 78 andswitch/multiplexer 74, under control of processor/system resources 70.The computer 24 running the office attendant type program may be used totransfer the incoming call to a particular extension, which may bereadily accomplished by way of transfer icon 178 (see FIG. 8A).

FIG. 9A illustrates window 200, which may provide a list of subscribersand extensions 202. By selecting a particular subscriber with a mouse orpointer, the transfer may be readily completed with a simple click ofthe mouse or pointer on transfer icon 204. Alternatively, the transferoperation may be canceled by a click of the mouse or pointer on cancelicon 206. It should be noted that, because the current subscriberinformation has been downloaded by communications systems 50 (asdescribed elsewhere herein), more reliable transfer of calls may beachieved in accordance with the present invention.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, inthe event of a failed transfer, for example in case the extension towhich the call is being transferred is busy, a window preferably isautomatically displayed on the computer running the office attendanttype program. An exemplary window 208 is illustrated in FIG. 9B. Asillustrated, display 210 may display a descriptive message, such as“line busy,” “do not disturb,” etc. Preferably, a number of icons alsoare simultaneously displayed to aid the office attendant type programuser in processing this call. Hold icon 212 may be used to place thecaller on hold. Message icon 214 may be used to initiate a net messageto the party to whom the call is to be transferred. Voice mail icon 216may be used to direct the call into the voice mail of the party to whomthe call was to be transferred. Cancel icon 218 may be used to cancelthe transfer operation. With such an automatically generated window 208,the office attendant type program user is presented with options to morequickly process such calls, again preferably with a single or very fewclicks of the mouse or pointer.

In certain embodiments, activation of hold icon 212 automatically“parks” the call on the extension of the party to whom the call is to betransferred. In certain embodiments, particular subscribers may have theoption to program their extension so that calls parked on theirextension may or may not be automatically connected once the calledparty has completed its current call. In such embodiments, it may bedesirable to have the called party informed that a call is being held.Preferably in such embodiments, the office attendant type program may beconfigured to automatically send a message (over a packet bus, asdescribed earlier) to the computer of the party to whom the call is tobe transferred, such as is illustrated by window 220 in FIG. 9C. In suchembodiments, window 220 may contain message box 222, which may contain amessage such as “call holding” or “call holding from Mike at extension226,” or “call holding; outside caller, number xxx,” etc. What isimportant is that message box 222 display a message that a call isholding, with appropriate information identifying the caller displayedto the extent possible or desired. It should be noted that in certainembodiments caller ID information is displayed, and in some suchembodiments a directory or library of names or other identifyinginformation may be contained in communications system 50 and/or one ormore of the computers connected to the LAN so that names or otheridentifying information may be associated with the caller ID informationand displayed in message box 222. Preferably, the computer of the calledparty plays an audible tone or sound.

In such embodiments, the called party may decide to terminate his/herexisting call and accept the call from the party being transferred, suchas by clicking on accept icon 224. Alternatively, the called party maydecide to have the call from the party being transferred wait, such asby clicking on wait icon 226. The particular user being calledpreferably has the option to configure his extension to accept parkedcalls or to not accept parked calls. The particular user also preferablyhas the option to select an allowed parking time before the call isreturned to the user running the office attendant type program. Thus, atransferred call may be temporarily parked, with an appropriate messagedisplayed on the computer of the called party, with the parked calleither accepted by the called party clicking on accept icon 224,returned to the user running the office attendant type program orforwarded to voice mail after a parking time out time has elapsed, orthe call held longer than the allowed parking time by the called partyclicking on wait icon 226. In certain embodiments, clicking on wait icon226 enables the call to be parked indefinitely, while in otherembodiments a second, longer and preferably user configurable parkingtime is enabled (thus preventing a called from being held for anindefinite period of time). If a time out time is exceeded, preferablythe call is returned to the user running the office attendant typeprogram or forwarded to voice mail, and still preferably an audible toneor sound is periodically emanated from the computer of the called partywhile the call is parked, thereby providing a subtle reminder of theexistence of the parked call. In certain embodiments, users have theability to mute or lower the volume of the reminder sound, such as byway of an additional icon in window 220. In all preferred embodiments,users have the ability to configure and select the particular optionsdescribed herein that the particular users may desire.

It should be noted that a window 208 may be displayed in response to atransferred call being returned to the user running the office attendanttype program, or it or a similar window may be displayed in response tothe user running the office attendant type program “looking ahead” tothe status of the extension to which the call is to be transferred. Whatis important is that the user running the office attendant type programdetermine that the transfer may not be accomplished, and then optimallybe provided with options for processing the call in an expedient manner,such as described elsewhere herein.

It should also be noted that, in the event of a particular userextension being dialed directly without going through the officeattendant type program, a window such as window 220 of FIG. 9C may bedisplayed on the computer of the called party, either automatically forall calls, or only in the event that the called party has put histelephone on do not disturb, but has configured his extension to receivea message notification of calls, or in the event that the called partyis on the line. In such embodiments, communications system 50 maygenerate such a window by a suitable message sent over by packet bus tothe user's computer. In such embodiments, communications system 50 maysimultaneously ring a user's extension and notify the user of the callwith a net message, with the called being accepted, parked or forwardedto voice mail such as described earlier. Of course, in the event that auser previously configured his extension to be automatically forwardedto another extension or location or to voice mail or the like, thencommunications system preferably takes the programmed action directly.As an illustrative example, a user may configure his extension so as toroute all calls to another extension or to a local or long distancetelephone number. Such a user also may configure his extension so as toroute all calls as voice over IP (“VoIP”) call. In the later situation,processor/system resources 70 and/or DSP 76 may process the incomingvoice information (received through the appropriate station card 82 andvia TDM bus 78, etc.) into appropriate IP packets, which may then berouted, for example, through an HDLC framer/deframer 73B, throughswitch/multiplexer 74, over TDM bus 78 and out over a designated IPconnection via WAN services 58, etc.

As previously described in connection with FIGS. 8A and 9B, a userrunning the office attendant type program preferably is presented withicon 174 (FIG. 8A) and icon 214 (FIG. 9B) for generating net messages,such as to send a net message to a user to whom a call is to betransferred, or to otherwise send a net message to a particular user,etc. FIG. 10A illustrates window 230 as an exemplary net message windowthat may be generated in response to clicking icon 174 or 214. Asillustrated, window 230 preferably includes box 232 to identify therecipient of the intended net message, which may be automaticallyselected by the office attendant type program in the event of a failedcall transfer situation. Otherwise, the recipient may be selected bypull-down menu as illustrated, or by direct entry of a name or extensionnumber, etc. In preferred embodiments, as letters of the name is typed,the office attendant type program automatically scrolls through thesubscriber directory in order to more arrive at the desired net messagerecipient.

Box 234 is provided in order for the office attendant type program userto type a desired net message. In alternative embodiments, a list ofpre-generated net messages are available via a pull down menu or windowopened with an icon or the like (such pre-generated messages may includewhole or partial messages, greetings, etc. that are frequency utilized,thereby saving the user from having to type a repetitive message, etc.).The net message may be sent by clicking on send icon 236 or canceled byclicking on cancel icon 238. It should be noted that the net messagerecipient may be a user physically located in the same office andreceive the net message by way of packet bus 80A or 80B (see FIG. 3), oralternatively, the net message may be sent as Internet or other messageby way of TCP/IP through modem 75 or through the WAN services network 58(e.g., a T1 connection) by passing through an HDLC framer 73B, such aswas described with reference to FIG. 3. Thus, in the situation in whicha particular user is “off-premises,” calls may be forwarded off-premises(by appropriate programming of the particular user's extension, asdescribed elsewhere herein), and net messages likewise may be forwardedoff-premises.

FIG. 10B illustrates net message window 240 that may appear on thecomputer of the recipient. The recipient is presented with the netmessage in window 242, and may close the net message by clicking icon244. Alternatively, net messages may be stored for archival purposes orlater viewing, and in alternative embodiments net messages also includea reply icon which may be clicked in order to bring up a window in whicha reply message may be typed. In such embodiments, an office attendanttype program user may inform the recipient, for example, of a particularcaller, and the recipient may inform the office attendant type programuser, for example, that the caller should be directed to a particularindividual or department or processed in a particular way (directly tovoice mail, call terminated, etc.). With such embodiments, packet bus orother messages may be readily exchanged in a manner to more readilyfacilitate telephony management etc.

In alternate embodiments, net messages may be sent from a computerrunning an office attendant-type program or a companion program, to anyother computer coupled to communications system 50, either by way of theLAN or WAN, etc. In such embodiments, for example, if the user to whom amessage is directed is logged onto communications system 50, the netmessage may be sent (preferably via communications system 50) either asa net message as previously described, or in the form of a visual “pinkslip,” “yellow sticky note,” etc., which preferably appears in a smallwindow on the screen of the user/message recipient. Still preferably,such “pink slip” or “yellow sticky note” messages include icons foroptions such as reply, delete, file/store, minimize, etc.; preferably,after a reply, delete, and/or file/store command, the message windowautomatically disappears. In certain embodiments, if a plurality of suchmessages are received and have not been processed so as to disappear,then such messages automatically stack up, with a visual representationof stacked messages presented to the user (e.g., showing a thirddimension of a stack of messages, etc.). In such embodiments, the userpreferably sees the most recently received message on top, and also hasthe option to freeze/hold the updating of the message stack such as byselecting a suitable icon (e.g., if the user is reading a particularmessage, he/she may command that the message being read is not replacedby a subsequently received message), scroll through the stack ofmessages, etc. Still preferably, the user may select (again my suitableicon) that a particular message be forwarded to himself/herself asemail, or to another person either as a similar message or email, etc.In preferred embodiments, communications system 50 automatically storesand sends as email all such messages that are not processed in adefinitive manner by the user (e.g., if the user logs off without havingreplied, deleted, stored, etc. such messages, then communications system50 processes such unclosed messages as emails to the particular user orusers, etc.).

It also should be noted that a sender of a net message may be promptedthat a particular user to whom a net message is being directed is notlogged on. In such embodiments, the sender may then be prompted (such aswith a suitable information display and icon) to convert the net messageto an email message, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, conference icon 172 may be utilized toinitiate a conference call in accordance with certain preferredembodiments of the present invention. Certain conferencing preferredembodiments of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 11A through 11E.

As indicated, conference icon 172 may be utilized to initiate aconference call in accordance with the present invention. Alternatively,in other preferred embodiments the conference call may be initiated by aclick and drag operation. For example, an icon indicating a receivedcall or the status of a received call (such as described earlier) may beclicked and dragged over the opened dialpad (see, e.g., FIG. 8A). Theoffice attendant type program recognizes this click and drag operationas a request to open a suitable conference window, and the officeattendant type program thereafter automatically opens the conferencewindow.

FIG. 11A illustrates one embodiment of such a conference window 250. Asillustrated, conference window may, include box 252, which may serve toindicate what calls, if any, are presently displayed on the officeattendant type program “console” (e.g., windows 150 of FIG. 8A). In theevent that calls are present on the console, such calls may be added tothe conference through the use of add icon 254. Attendees invited tojoin the conference may be displayed in window 260. Through the use oficon 256 one or more particular attendees may be selected with thepointer or mouse and removed from the conference call attendee list, andthrough the use of icon 258 all attendees may be removed from theconference call attendee list. Window 262 may serve to display attendeescurrent participating in the conference call in the event that window250 is opened while a conference call is in progress. Icon 264 may beused to call other parties in order to invite such parties toparticipate in the conference call, and icon 266 may be used to cancelthe add conference call attendees operation (i.e., close window 250).Icon 268 may be used to finish the add conference call attendeeoperation and preferably initiate or continue the conference call; inFIG. 11A icon 268 is illustrated as not active given that multipleinvited attendees are not present and no conference call is on-going(and thus the conference cannot be initiated or continued).

In the event that icon 264 is selected, a call others operation may beinitiated. FIG. 11B illustrates one embodiment of window 270 for callingadditional attendees. As illustrated, window 270 preferably includesdialpad 272, which may be utilized to dial the extension or telephonenumber of a party to be added to the conference, which may be a partyeither on premises or off premises. Window 274 may be used to accesseither personal or system contact information, or both personal andsystem contact information, such as previously described. The names ofparticular subscribers may be entered or displayed in window 273, andthe extension or number of a particular party to be added to theconference may be entered or displayed in window 276. Additionalattendees may be added with icon 278 or removed with icon 280, with theadditional attendees identified in window 282, with attendees in theconference identified in window 284. The next icon 286 preferably may beused to proceed to a dialog box from which the additional attendees maybe called to join the conference. Selecting the finish icon 288preferably results in the conference commencing or continuing withoutproceeding to a call dialog box.

In the event that next icon 286 is selected, a call attendee dialog boxpreferably appears, with an exemplary dialog box illustrated in FIG.11C. As illustrated, window 290 includes call icon 294, which may beused to initiate a call to a particular selected additional attendee(who may be selected with the mouse or pointer in a conventionalmanner). Remove icon 292 may be used to remove additional attendees fromwindow 296. Preferably, each additional attendee is called and informedthat they are being added to the conference call; if the additionalattendee agrees to be added to the conference call, the call preferablyis placed on hold; otherwise the caller may hang up or be processed insome other desired manner. Once all additional attendees have beencontacted and placed on hold as desired, finish icon 300 may be selectedto initiate or continue the conference with the additional attendees.Back icon 299 may be use to return to the window illustrated in FIG. 11Bin order to add additional attendees, etc.

Preferably, as additional attendees are called, window 302 appears asillustrated in FIG. 11D. As illustrated, window 302 includes informationdisplay 304, which preferably displays the name and/or number of theadditional attendee being called, as well as the status of the call.Icon 306 may be used to hang up or terminate the call, while icon 308may be used to add the additional attendee to the conference call. Stillpreferably, an add conference attendee window is invoked, for example,if one call has been added to the conference and no other call is activeon the console, etc.

Still preferably, conference call monitor window 310 may be displayed bythe office attendant type program, as illustrated in FIG. 11E. Asillustrated, window 310 may include window 312 for displaying anidentification of all attendees participating in the conference call.From window 310 additional parties may be added to, or removed from, theexisting conference call. Icon 314 may be used to confirm that theexisting list of conference participants is acceptable. Icon 316 may beused to allow the party running office attendant to join as a party tothe conference call. Icon 318 may be used to add additional parties tothe conference call, such as a call that is existing on the console asillustrated in FIG. 8A (as an example, a call is received by the officeattendant program while the conference is in progress), or by adding anadditional attendee. Such operations to add additional attendeespreferably may be achieved as described earlier in connection with FIGS.11A through 11D. Icon 320 may be used to remove attendees from theconference call.

What should be noted is that, in accordance with the present invention,easy to use and intuitive graphical interfaces are provided to initiate,maintain and monitor conference calls in accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments preferably areimplemented utilizing communications system 50 as illustrated, forexample, in FIG. 3, which provides a exceptionally desirable platformfor managing voice and data communications while allowing a user to moreoptimally manage and/or participate in such conference calls.

Still other features in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12. Asillustrated in FIG. 12, communications system 50 (which preferably maybe implemented as described in connection with FIG. 3) is coupled toone, two or more packet buses (such as packet buses 80A and 80B),connected to which may be a plurality of computers 24. One or morecomputers 24 may run an office attendant-type program, or alternativelya companion program to the office attendant-type program, such asdescribed elsewhere herein. As previously described, such computersrunning an office attendant-type program may be advantageously utilizedto manage and control incoming and outgoing calls in the office. Inaccordance with the present invention, for example, a first computer 24at a first physical location in the office (e.g., coupled tocommunications system 50 over a packet bus, for example) may bedesignated as the telephony control station for managing the incomingand outgoing calls. A second computer 24 at a second physical locationin the office (e.g., coupled to communications system 50 over the sameor a different packet bus, for example), may be designated as asecondary telephony control station. If the first telephony controlstation exceeds a designated call capacity (such as described earlier),or the first telephony control station goes off-line such as to due to alocal failure or due to the user of the first telephony control stationlogging off, etc. (such as going to lunch, going home for the day,etc.), the second telephony control station is ready to immediatelyassume control of managing the incoming and outgoing calls of theoffice. In accordance with such embodiments, control of the telephonyfunctions of the office may effectively be passed from computer tocomputer along the same packet bus or from a first computer connected toa first packet bus to a second computer connected to a second packetbus. Thus, telephony control may be efficiently transferred fromcomputer to computer in a flexible and desirable manner, which mayinclude computers at different locations within the office.

It also should be noted that an office attendant-type program also maybe run from a location remote from communications system 50, such as ona computer coupled to WAN services network 58 of FIG. 3. In suchembodiments, a remote computer coupled to communications system 50 overa WAN network connection may run the office attendant-type program andremotely control the telephony functions of the office, in a manner suchas described previously herein. Thus, control of telephony functions maybe effectively performed in the office or remotely from the office, withcontrol passed from computer to computer in an efficient and desiredmanner. Additionally, the user of the remote computer may, run an officeattendant-type program or a companion program as described elsewhereherein, and from such remote location be coupled to communicationssystem 50 and remotely reconfigure the telephony and/or voice mailsettings for the particular user. As an example, the remote user may usethe remote computer in order to direct telephone calls to his/herextension to voice mail, or alternatively to have such calls forwardedto another extension or to a remote telephone number. With suchembodiments, particular users may remotely access communications system50 and, for example, control the forwarding of calls to an internal orremote location. As a particular example, a user using a notebookcomputer or PDA, etc., may couple to the Internet or WAN, etc. from aremote location, and direct that telephone calls to his/her officeextension be forwarded in a desired manner (e.g., off-premise callforwarding, etc.). With the user able to access communications system 50and remotely set and store PBX-type settings remotely, a variety ofdesired reconfiguration options are presented to the user.

Additional advanced PBX/telephony-type functions in accordance withother embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

In preferred embodiments, communications system 50 may dynamicallyassociate physical telephones 12 with particular user extension numbers.In certain respect, this may be considered like a “DHCP” (describedelsewhere herein) for physical telephones. For example, a systemadministration may run a configuration/administration program (such asdescribed elsewhere herein) and configure an extension number (e.g.,200) for a particular user, including associated parameters for suchuser, such as telephony and voice mail options (e.g., user forwardsettings, including off premise call forwarding, busy forward settings,ring-no-answer forward settings, time of day forward settings, displayname for telephones displaying caller names, etc., whether the telephoneis configured to be a telephone for a user running an officeattendant-type program, etc.). At this time, the system administratormay or may not assign a physical telephone to that extension.Thereafter, the system administrator may notify the user that his/herextension number is 200. The system administrator also has the abilityto enable and/or assign physical telephones. In the event that thesystem administrator has not assigned a physical telephone to that user,the user preferably has the ability to assign a physical telephone tohis/her extension. For example, the user may pick up a telephone thathas been enabled, and preferably does not have an extension assigned tothat telephone, and the user enters a special code, e.g., numbers thatcommunications system 50 recognizes as a request to assign a physicaltelephone. In certain embodiments, communications system 50 audiblyinforms (such as using DSP 76) the user of the status of that physicaltelephone (e.g., enabled or disabled, presently assigned to anextension, etc.). Thereafter, the user preferably is prompted audibly toenter his/her extension number. Optionally after a confirmation prompt,communications system 50 then assigns that physical telephone to theparticular user. Still optionally, if the particular user extension isalready assigned to another physical telephone, then communicationssystem 50 un-assigns the other physical telephone at the time a newphysical telephone is assigned to the particular user/user extension.

As will be appreciated, with such embodiments a special code also may beprovided to un-assign physical telephones from particular userextensions, which preferably is implemented with password protection forparticular users to ensure that the user's extension may not be assignedor re-assigned to physical-telephones without the user's authorizationor control (e.g., after entry of the extension number, communicationssystem 50 prompts the user for a password associated with that userextension, and only allows assignment of a physical telephone to thatextension if the correct password is entered, etc.). Thus, a user mayassign his extension to a physical telephone by picking up thattelephone and entering appropriate commands via the telephone keypad,and may un-assign his/her extension from that physical telephone bysimilarly picking up the physical telephone and entering appropriatecommands via the telephone keypad (or by assigning the extension to adifferent physical telephone, as previously described), etc. Inaccordance with such embodiments, various office telephony arrangementsmay be implemented, such as an office arrangement in which a pluralityof cubicles, offices or other physical spaces are provided with physicaltelephones but are not assigned to particular users. In accordance withsuch embodiments, particular users may be assigned an extension, and mayoccupy an available physical space and assign the physical telephone inthat physical space with the user's extension. At the end of time foroccupying that physical space, the user may un-assign his/her extensionfrom that physical telephone, and then re-assign the extension toanother physical telephone when the user later occupies another physicalspace, etc.

Additionally, as previously described communications system 50 may serveas an email server or otherwise serve to distribute email to particularcomputers (such as computers 24) coupled to communications system 50.Thus, communications system 50 can store information indicating that aparticular user or users have received email. In such embodiments,communications system 50 preferably provides a visual or audioindication to the user that he/she has email. As illustrative examples,a special dial tone or message may be generated (such as with DSP 76)and presented to the user's telephone so that, when the user picks uphis/her telephone, the special dial tone or message alerts the user thathe/she has email (which also may include a special tone or messageindicating that the user has voice mail). As one example, the tone ormessage may be a particular sound, but preferably is an audible messagesuch as “you have email,” or “you have voice mail and email” or “youhave voice mail,” etc. In the event that communications system 50 isimplemented with telephones 12 having message indicator lamps, aparticular lamp or blinking sequence may be used to indicate that theuser has email, voice mail or both, etc. In all such embodiments, usersmay be desirably informed that they have email and/or voice mail withtheir telephony device (e.g., telephone).

As described elsewhere herein, communications system 50 may serve toprovide email services to particular users with telephone extensionsassociated with communications system 50, etc. In addition,communication system 50 also provides a platform (such as withprocessor/system resources 70) on which various management,administration or other types of applications may be run (exemplary suchapplications are described elsewhere herein). In one embodiment, variousWAN and other information is provided using an what is known as aSNMP-type protocol (as is known in the art, SNMP stands for SignalingNetwork Management Protocol, which is a protocol/method by which networkmanagement applications can query or request information from amanagement agent (such as are implemented in the present invention withprocessor/system resources 70 and appropriate software, etc.). A novelaspect of such embodiments of the present invention is that the voicemail system of communications system 50 also is implemented in a mannerto provide voice mail related information in an SNMP-type form. Thus, inaccordance with such embodiments of the present invention,communications system 50 stores a variety of information relating tovoice mail, such as information relating to the status of the voice mailsystem, failure or alarm-type information, usage statistics, etc. Insuch embodiments, any tool or application that is SNMP compliant canaccess and view such voice-mail related information. Exemplaryvoice-mail-related information that may be made available via SNMP to anSNMP compliant tool or application is set forth in Table 1. With suchembodiments, network (WAN and LAN, etc.) and PBX information along withvoice mail-related information may be desirably provided using SNMP to avariety of SNMP tools and applications.

TABLE 1 Label Where Description InCalls TUI Number of incoming callsanswered (all types) MsgCreate MSS Number of messages created MsgSentIMDA Number of messages sent successfully MsgSendFail IMFSA Number ofmessage send failures caused by an error in the Msg Subsystem MsgDeleteMSS Number of message deleted MbxLogon MSS Number of times users loggedon successfully MbxLogoff MSS Number of times users logged off theirmailbox (versus abandoned) TooManyErrors TUI Number of times callerswere dropped because they made too many errors TooShort TUI Number oftimes messages recorded were too short Restart TUI Number of times theAA/VMS application was restarted/reloaded MWIOn MSS Number of requeststo turn MWI On MWIOff MSS Number of requests to turn MWI Off MWIFail MSSNumber of MWI (On/Off) requests that failed TMOOper TUI Number of callstransferred to Operator because of TMO ZeroOper TUI Number of callstransferred to Operator because caller dialed “0” ErrorOper TUI Numberof calls transferred to Operator because of too many errorsErrorPassword TUI Number of calls dropped because of to many passworderrors. DiskFull MSS Number of times disk was too full to take a messageExtDirInCall TUI Number of direct external (trunk) calls into AA/VMSExtFwdInCall TUI Number of external calls forwarding into AA/VMSIntDirInCall TUI Number of direct internal (station) calls into AA/VMSIntFwdInCall TUI Number of internal calls forwarding into AA/VMS NewMsgTUI Number of “new” messages recorded and sent by logged on users FwdMsgTUI Number of “forwarded” messages recorded and sent by logged on usersReplyMsg TUI Number of “reply” messages recorded and sent by logged onusers MultAddress TUI Number of messages sent that had more than oneaddress NameRecord TUI Number of times a Name message was recordedGreetRecord TUI Number of times a Greeting message was recorded

Video Conferencing Type Applications

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention,advanced video conferencing capability may be readily provided in avariety of office environments. Certain such preferred embodiments willbe described with reference to FIGS. 13A through 13C. Such embodimentsmay also be more readily understood by also referencing previouslydescribed figures, such as FIG. 3, etc.

With reference to FIG. 13A, video conferencing in accordance with afirst embodiment will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 13A,communications system 50 is coupled to video conferencing unit or VCU330. VCU 330 may be a video conferencing system or a higher end computeror the like that preferably includes camera 334 and is coupled tocommunications system 50 over bus 332, which preferably is a high speedserial or other interface trunk, such as, for example, what is known asa V.35, V.36 or V.37 interface trunk. In such embodiments, cards 82 ofcommunications system 50 include an appropriate interface card for theparticular interface trunk and preferably enable a direct and compatibleinterface with VCU 330. In such embodiments, video information fromcamera 334, and audio information, as appropriate, from VCU 330, arecoupled to communications system 50 over bus 332. Still preferably, thedata stream from VCU 330 is in a form compatible with transmission over,for example, a T-1 line. In such preferred embodiments, the data streamfrom VCU 330 is coupled to TDM bus 78 via station cards 82, and thencoupled to switch/multiplexer 74, and then redirected viaswitch/multiplexer 74 to, for example, T-1 line 51 that is coupled toWAN services network 58 (of course, one or more additional compatibleVCUs preferably are coupled to WAN services network 58 in order tocomplete the video conference). In such embodiments, video conferencingmay be achieved efficiently with a data stream coupled from VCU 330 tocommunications system 50 to, for example, a T-1 line via TDM bus 78 andswitch/multiplexer 74.

FIG. 13B illustrates VCU 336 with camera 340 (which may be previouslydescribed) coupled to communications system 50 over bus 338, which inthis embodiment in an ISDN or T-1 type interface that supports, forexample, a H.323 video conferencing standard. In such embodiments, adata stream (e.g., video and audio) from VCU 336 is coupled tocommunications system 50, coupled via an appropriate ISDN/T-1 compliantstation card 82 to TDM bus 78 and to switch/multiplexer 74. Thereafter,from switch/multiplexer 74 the data stream may be coupled via anappropriate station card 82 to outgoing T-1 line 51 to WAN servicesnetwork 58.

Yet another embodiment of video conferencing in accordance with thepresent invention is described with reference to FIG. 13C. Asillustrated, computer 24 is coupled to communications system 50 overpacket bus 80A (see, e.g., FIG. 3). Computer 24 includes camera 24A andpreferably a microphone and speaker. Video and audio informationpreferably are coupled between communications system 50 and computer 24through an appropriate packet standard, for example what is known asH.323. Referring again to FIG. 3, in such embodiments packetized videoinformation is provided from computer 24 to communications system 50over packet bus 80A. Processor/system resources 70 processes thepacketized data stream (e.g., de-packetizes the data stream), whichpreferably now is in a suitable form/protocol (such as TCP/IP) fortransmission to a remote computer running a compatible videoconferencing program. As illustrative examples, the video data streammay be directed by processor/system resources 70 to fax modem 75 andcoupled to a remote computer, or the video data stream may be directedby processor/system resources 70 to an HDLC framer/deframer 73B, toswitch/multiplexer 74, to TDM bus 78, to an appropriate station card 82and to WAN services network 58 via trunk 51 to which is coupled one ormore remote computers for completing the video conference. It alsoshould be understood that one or more such computers desiring toestablish a video conference also may use an Internet connectionestablished with the aid of what is known as an ILS (or Internet locatorservice) dynamic directory, a real time directory server component,which serves to aid “user to IP mapping” for establishing desiredpoint-to-point connections for video conferencing.

It also should be noted that such video streams from computer 24 may bedirected to one or more other computers on the same packet bus 80A(using the hub feature of communications system 50), or to one or moreother computers on a different packet bus (using the router feature ofcommunications system 50), such as previously described.

It should be noted that the documentation for particular video,telephony and other standards, such as T-1, ISDN, V.35, H.320, H.323,etc. are publicly available, and such standards documentation is herebyincorporated by reference.

As also described elsewhere herein, in preferred embodiments VoIPcommunications may be readily enabled. Referring again to FIG. 3, voicefrom a telephone 12 may be coupled via station cards 82 and TDM bus 78to switch/multiplexer 74. From switch/multiplexer 74, the voice datastream may be directed to DSP 76, which directly or in conjunction withprocessor/system resources 70, produce appropriate IP packet data (ineffect, DSP 76 and/or processor/system resources 70 serve as, forexample, a TCP/IP processor). After IP packeting, the voice data maybedirected to WAN services network 58 via an HDLC framer/deframer 73B(such as described elsewhere herein), or may be directed to one or morepacket buses/LANs, also as previously described. It should be notedthat, with DSP 76, which may be configured to provide substantialprocessing resources, voice data may be IP processed effectively withminimal or no consumption of the resources of computer/system resources70, thereby helping to prevent an undesirable loading ofcomputer/systems resources 70.

It also should be noted that such embodiments have been described withreference to VoIP applications. It should be noted that such embodimentsalso may be used with other network protocols that may carry voice-typeinformation. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a networkprotocol (such as LP) may desirably be used to efficiently carryvoice-type information, thereby providing more efficient communicationsservices to office utilizing communications system 50.

It also should be noted that, with communications system 50 implementedsuch as illustrated in FIG. 3, data, voice and video streams may beconverged over a common T-1 trunk. Thus, a user may more readily be ableto efficiently use a T-1 type of WAN resource with an integrated systemthat intelligently manages and bridges voice, data and video datastreams and processes.

While the various windows, buttons and icons illustrated herein are notlimitative of any particular aspect of the present invention, suchfeatures and combinations of features have been determined to provideadvantages to users of such an office attendant-type program,particularly when used with embodiments of the present invention asillustrated in FIG. 3 and the other drawings and related description.

In accordance with the foregoing description and embodiments, a varietyof communications systems and data, voice and video processes may bedesirably implemented. An exemplary communications system and thefeatures of such an exemplary communications system will now bedescribed.

Communications system 50 delivers comprehensive communications supportincluding PBX voice capability, full LAN/WAN data connectivity, and asuite of communications applications in a unified platform designed forscalability, reliability, and ease of use. Communications system 50integrates standards based communications hardware and software withswitching technology in a single system to meet the needs of differentsize offices. Unlike other complex central site products that aredifficult and expensive to manage, communications system 50 of thepresent invention is optimized for use by an office of 5 to 100 users.

Communications system 50 increases the efficiency of officecommunications and provides businesses a competitive edge by integratingthe following voice, data, and communications functions into oneremotely manageable platform: PBX; Voice mail; Automated attendant;Computer-telephony applications server; Channel bank; Router; CSU/DSU;LAN hub; Remote access server; and Modems.

Communications system 50 architecture allows the user to combine one ormore of the above referenced components into a single, easy-to-use,easy-to-manage system. Because the Communications system 50 seamlesslyinterfaces with legacy voice and data equipment, the user can purchaseonly those capabilities that is needed to create a comprehensivecommunications solution suited to user's business. As described earlier,an office attendant type program can be utilized assist communicationsystem 50 to perform all of the above mentioned tasks.

Communications system 50 supports today's mission-criticalcommunications applications, while providing a natural migration pathfor new applications enabled by the convergence of voice and data. Atthe core of the platform are system resources designed for voice anddata integration, including time division multiplexing 78 (TDM) andswitching, high-speed packet switching 74, a multiprotocol framingengine 72, LAN/WAN interfaces 82, and digital signal processors 76(DSPs). These resources are complemented by software services asillustrated in FIGS. 7A to 11E such as advanced call control, messagingservices, a database management system, and routing services.

Based on an embedded Windows NT operating system, communications system50 applications use standard application programming interfaces (APIs)such as NDIS, TAPI, COM, and WinSock. With these APIs and communicationssystem 50 TAPI Service Provider (TSP), applications developed byindependent software vendors, including advanced CTI applications, canbe easily deployed on the system.

Communications system 50 system also eliminates the complexity inherentin today's multivendor piece-part alternatives. Instead of requiringinstallation and ongoing management of multiple boxes from multiplevendors that were not designed to work together, this integrated systemdelivers sophisticated voice and data solutions that are easy toinstall, administer, and use.

Communications system 50 is a purpose-built, dedicated platformarchitected to ensure high availability. Some features include the“always-on” software architecture with subsystem isolation, SNMP-basedmanagement, fault monitoring, life-line communications, and remotediagnostics and fix capabilities. Also, fault-tolerance options includeredundant power supplies and redundant hard disk drives.

With communications system 50, the user can dramatically reduce the costof acquiring, operating, and managing business communications.Communications system 50 delivers the cost reductions of integrated WANservices and eliminates the need for the additional resources andpersonnel required by today's multivendor communications alternatives.The unified management console and tools provide a cost-effective methodto remotely manage the entire customer premise.

Communication system 50 includes many features and benefits such asbeing a fully integrated, adaptable, reliable, and high performancesystem, while being a system that is easy to install, manage and use. Byutilizing a fully integrated system, communication system 50 includes,among other features, integrated suite of applications, digital trunks54, and a unified management console. Integrated suite of applicationsin communication system 50 provides an ideal platform for deployingfuture business-transforming Internet/voice applications while at thesame time increasing productivity and customer satisfaction bycost-effectively deploying integrated voice and data applications.

Referring back to FIG. 2, digital trunks 54 lowers telecommunicationscosts by integrating voice and data traffic on the same access trunk.Digital trunks 54 also allows a user to cost-effectively deployhigh-bandwidth trunks to the smallest of offices. Finally, communicationsystem 50 significantly reduces cost of deployment and ongoingmanagement associated with legacy technologies, and reduces trainingtime by using a single graphical user interface.

A further benefit of communication system 50 of the present invention isits adaptability to communications needs of the user. Communicationssystem 50 includes a modular architecture that allows an office to payonly for the communications interfaces and options the office presentlyrequires and also provides the flexibility to add hardware interfaces orremotely load software applications as the office needs change.

Communication system 50 in the preferred embodiment is a standards basedsystem. This ensures interoperability with existing communicationsinfrastructure for seamless deployment and provides access to the latestthird-party applications and technology. Communications system 50 isalso adaptable to new technologies; thus, this protects an office'sinvestment with an architecture designed to accommodate futuretechnologies.

Another feature of communication system 50 of the present invention isits reliability. Some of communication system 50 features that allow itto be reliable are the following: complete integration and extensivetesting for hardware and software; embedded Windows NT operating system;redundant, load-sharing power supplies; independent fault monitoring;life-line phone support, and RAID-1 disk mirroring. The benefits ofthese features are the following: virtually eliminates expensivedowntime that results from incompatible hardware and applications;provides a single point of contact for fault isolation; ensures maximumapplication availability by isolating application subsystems; increasessecurity by preventing unauthorized access; prevents interruption ofservice due to power supply failure; ensures maximum system availabilityby providing an independent watchdog service; keeps the user informed ofsystem status through notification of system problems, no matter wherethe user is; ensures phone service, even during a power failure; andprevents downtime due to hard disk drive failure.

The multiple-bus architecture, application prioritization and isolation,and automatic route selection adds to the performance of communicationsystem 50. These features ensure high-grade voice quality by keepingvoice and data in their native environments, allow conversion betweenthe voice and data environments to support services such as voice overIP (VoIP), maximize investment by making community resources, such asDSPs and WAN/LAN interfaces, available to both voice and dataapplications, keep mission-critical communications systems functioningunder heavy load by ensuring they receive required system resources,provide flexibility in routing calls, and least-cost routing saves moneyby dynamically selecting trunks based on criteria selected.

Communication system 50 is easy to install, manage, and use. Some of thefeatures making communication system 50 easy to install, manage, and useare it is web-based management for remote configuration, diagnostics,and health monitoring, remote software upgrades, rapid installation,customizable management levels, and full SNMP instrumentation for voiceand data. These features simplify management tasks by using a single,consistent management interface for your voice and data infrastructure,reduces personnel costs by leveraging centralized technical resources tomanage remote offices, minimizes downtime and on-site visits throughextensive tools for remote troubleshooting and diagnostics, ensuressystem integrity by flexibly addressing different access requirementsfor system administrators, enables a user to reduce support costs bydistributing simple, repetitive tasks such as moves, adds, and changesto office personnel, leverages your existing SNMP infrastructure tomanage both voice and data capabilities on the communication system 50,allows the user to save money by performing software upgrades from acentral location, and saves valuable time and money because the systemcan be installed and configured quickly.

Next, the specifications for the communications system 50 in thepreferred embodiment will now be described. As it will be apparent toone skilled in the art, it is important to note that a differentconfiguration and/or additional or reduced number of components can beused with communication system 50 without altering the scope and spiritof the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of communicationsystem 50 of the present invention, a resource switch card (standardwith every chassis) includes the following: 12 10Base-T Ethernet hubports; 12 analog phone ports; 6 analog trunk ports (including 2life-line ports);communications switch engine and other systemresources; 2 internal 56 Kbps fax/modems (V.90 and K56);fault monitor;connectors: RJ-45 (Ethernet), 50-pin RJ-21x (phone), 3.5 mm phono(line-in, line-out), 15-pin VGA; and Indicators: System status; link andactivity for each Ethernet port.

The Optional expansion interfaces of communication system 50 includesthe following components: (1) Analog trunk modules, with 4 and 8-portversions available; Loop start and ground start; REN: 0.65 B; Impedance:600 ohms; Compliance: FCC Part 15 Class A, FCC Part 68, UL 1950, DOC,CSA; Connector: 50-pin RJ-21x; and Indicators: System status; (2) T1trunk modules—1- and 2-port versions available; Line rate: FT1 and T1(64 Kbps-1.544 Mbps); Framing: ESF, SF/D4; Line code: AMI, B8ZS;Integrated CSU/DSU; Compliance: FCC Part 15 Class A, FCC Part 68, UL,CSA, ANSI T1.101 (MTIE), ANSI T1.403-1995, AT&T TR62411; Connector:RJ-48C, dual bantam (monitor jack); and Indicators: System status; redand yellow alarms for each T1 port. (3) 10Base-T Ethernet hub cards—12-and 24-port versions available; Layer 3 segmentation option: Traffic isrouted between cards; Full SNMP instrumentation; Compliance: FCC Part 15Class A, FCC Part 68, UL, CSA, IEEE 802.3, ISO/IEC 8802-3; Connector:RJ-45; and Indicators: System status; link and activity for eachEthernet port. (4) Analog station cards—12- and 24-port versionsavailable; Supports standard and enhanced analog phones with featuressuch as enhanced caller ID display and message-waiting lamp; Operatingvoltage: Onhook −48V, Offhook −24V; REN: 3 B; On-board ringing powersupply; Audio frequency response: 300 to 3500 Hz; Compliance: FCC Part15 Class A, FCC Part 68, UL, CSA; Connector: 50-pin RJ-21x; andIndicators: System status; (5) Fault-resilient options—Redundant harddrive for disk mirroring (RAID-1); and Redundant power supply.

The following table describes an interface summary according to thepresent invention.

Analog Part Phone Ethernet CO Number Ports Ports POTS T1 Resource SwitchStandard 12 12 6 Card Analog Station IO-12AS-C 12 Card IO-24AS-C 24Ethernet Hub Card IO-12EH-C 12 IO-24EH-C 24 Analog Trunk IO-4AT-M 4Module IO-8AT-M 8 T1 Trunk Module IO-1T1-M 1 IO-2T1-M 2 Chassis(maximum) 84 84 22 2

Next, the chassis specifications will be described for the preferredembodiment of the present invention. The following are the physicalspecifications of communication system 50 of the present invention: (1)Height: 23.125 in (58.74 cm); (2) Width: 17.5 in (44.45 cm); (3) Depth:18 in (45.72 cm); and (4) Weight: 88 lbs (40 kg), maximum configuration.Next, the mounting options will now be described: (1) Rack-mount(standard EIA 19-inch rack) and (2) Stand-alone. The power requirementsare as follows: 95-132 VAC, 47-63 Hz, 5.0 A; 190-264 VAC, 47-63 Hz, 2.5A; Inrush current (one power supply): 40 A maximum (115 VAC), 80 Amaximum (230 VAC); and Optional second hot-swappable and load-sharingpower supply. The environmental ranges are as follows: Operatingtemperature: 32° to 104° F. (0° to 40° C.); Operating humidity: 85%maximum relative humidity, noncondensing; and Operating altitude: Up to10,000 ft (3,050 m) maximum.

Communications system 50 PBX and office attendant type program CTIApplication provide sophisticated call control and handling.

The PBX capabilities will now be described. Communications system 50 PBXprovides a full-featured, nonblocking digital PBX with sophisticatedcall control capabilities. These capabilities are delivered usingstandard analog telephones connected to your existing phone wiring. Inaddition, communications system 50 supports advanced call controlcapabilities over IP-based networks, for applications based on theMicrosoft Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) standard.TAPI allows the communication system 50 to optionally provide virtualdigital telephones, delivering advanced call control features overinexpensive standard analog phones.

Referring to FIG. 24, additional TAPI related functionality inaccordance with additional preferred embodiments will now be described.

One of the main purposes for providing TAPI support is to allow CTIapplications to control telephony ports over the network. AlthoughMicrosoft provides this functionality via TAPI 2.1 and remote.tsp, thissolution has the following limitations: the TAPI Service (TAPISRV) isrequired to have a user ID and password on the domain, which could beviewed as intrusive on a network and raises unnecessary securityconcerns. Also, with the Microsoft approach, the configurationapplication that maps telephony ports to workstations does not have anexposed API. This means that it is not easily possible to configure TAPIclients using a remote administration system.

An improved approach is to use Windows Sockets to communicate betweenthe client and server, and to use a database to do the association ofTAPI lines to client machines. By using Windows Sockets we eliminate therequirement for the TAPI service to have a domain account, and by usingour database for the TAPI configuration we eliminate the requirement todo configuration through Microsoft's TCMAPP tool, which is onlyaccessible on the server itself. Thus configuration can be done fromanywhere in the client/server network.

This TAPI solution consists of two new components. VNREMOTE.TSP is thenew TSP that resides in the client and will accept TAPI requests androute them to the server if necessary, and to process messages comingfrom the server. VNREMSRV.EXE is a service on the server that is the“hands, eyes and ears” for VNREMOTE.TSP inside the server. It willprocess the requests passed on by VNREMOTE.TSP and send events back toVNREMOTE.TSP. The configuring of Windows Sockets is well-known in theart, and accordingly any suitable variation that accomplishes suchfunctions consistent with the present teachings can be utilized. Officeattendant type program computer-telephony application will now bedescribed. Communications system 50 Office attendant type program is aneasy-to-use application that places powerful telecommunicationscapabilities directly on the desktop. It provides comprehensive callhandling functionality for operators and administrators, making themmore efficient through an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI).

Communications system 50 application expedites routine tasks such asanswering and transferring calls. It also simplifies more complex taskssuch as setting up and managing conference calls. Office attendant typeprogram leverages advanced Microsoft TAPI over TCP/IP technology thatallows communications system 50 to replace the traditionally expensive,immobile, and hard-to-use attendant console.

Communications system 50 PBX and Office attendant type programspecifications are now shown below. PBX features for call featuresinclude the following: Call forwarding, Off-premise call forwarding,Transfer on busy and no answer, Time-of-day call forwarding, Call hold,Call toggle, Call waiting, Consultation call, Consultation transfer,Blind transfer, Conference call, Call pickup, Public address systemsupport, and Do not disturb. The features for calling and called partyidentification are as follows: support for enhanced caller ID phones,and Extension-to-extension identification.

The System features and management flexibility are the following: Classof Service profiles, Uniform dialing plan, Time-of-day dialing policy,Digit insertion, Automated route selection (ARS), least-cost routing,Trunk groups, Hunt groups for intelligent call distribution, includinglinear, circular, and ring all, Direct inward dial (DID), Messagenotification: lamp and stutter dial tone, Individual user profiles, Calldetail recording, Phone set relocation, Music on hold.

The following are the office attendant type program features: (1)System—Standard Windows application; Call control over IP;Software-based console that is easy to relocate; Drag-and-drop dialingand conferencing; Virtual line appearances; Interface indicators signalcall status; Caller ID display; Calls in queue display; Companytelephone directory; Lookup-as-you-type dialing; Personal call log;Account number entry; Personal information manager; Conference manager;System speed-dial buttons; Programmable feature buttons; Most recentlyused numbers list; Login security; CTI link test button;Context-sensitive help; and Contact database importing; (2) Callhandling—Dial pad; Hang up; Transfer with look-ahead; Hold; Answer next;Call forwarding; Do not disturb; (3) Installation requirements—66-MHz486 PC with 16 MB of RAM (Pentium recommended); and Windows 95 orWindows NT 4.0.

PBX and the office attendant type program application are an integralpart of the communications system 50. Other Communications system 50software components include the following: Data Communications Services;Voice Mail and AutoAttendant applications; Remote Management System.

With Communications system 50, higher productivity with voice mail andautomated attendant services can be achieved. Communications system 50Voice Mail and AutoAttendant services help an office increaseproductivity by allowing people to share information without time ordistance constraints. Customers can leave messages at any time of day ornight, with the assurance that the messages will be delivered. Whetheran office personnel is in the office or on the road, any officepersonnel can access messages instantly from any phone in the world.

In addition, Communications system 50 Voice Mail services allow a userto access the user's voice mail messages via the user's favorite e-mailapplication. The Communications system 50 Voice Mail application isbuilt with full support for open industry standards—including IMAP4e-mail application compatibility for remote voice mail retrieval, andWAV sound file format for ubiquitous message playback using the mostpopular operating systems.

The Communications system 50 AutoAttendant application economicallyprocesses inbound calls 24 hours a day—answering each call, providingcustomized instructions based on the time of day or day of week, androuting callers to the person best able to help them. Callers can usethe intelligent call distribution feature to reach a particular personor department, without requiring an operator or direct inward dial (DID)services. For companies that use DID, AutoAttendant is ideally suitedfor assisting a live operator by handling common requests forinformation such as directions and mailing addresses.

The following are the Communications system 50 Voice Mail andAutoAttendant Specifications. Voice Mail features include the following:Up to six concurrent voice mail sessions; Approximately 67 hours ofstorage; No additional hardware required; Interruptible prompts; andPassword protection. The voice message handling feature includes: Newmessage retrieval; Save messages; Listen to deleted messages before youhang up; Hear message time stamp and duration; Forward message; Reply tomessage; Skip message; Go to end of message; Backup and forward 5seconds; Pause/resume listening; and Pause/resume recording.

The versatile message notification features include: Stutter dial tone;Lamp indication; and IMAP4 e-mail retrieval. Next, the AutoAttendantfeatures include: Customizable greetings; Time, day-of-week, and holidayscheduling; Automated call routing (individual extensions and huntgroups for departmental routing); Audio-text mailboxes; Dial by name;Multilevel menus; and Single-digit menus.

The Voice Mail and AutoAttendant applications are an integral part ofcommunications system 50. Other communications system 50 softwarecomponents include: PBX services; office attendant type programcomputer-telephony application; Data Communications Services; and RemoteManagement System.

Communications system 50 delivers comprehensive communicationssupport—multiprotocol router, full LAN/WAN connectivity, PBX voicecapability, and a suite of communications applications—in a unifiedplatform designed for scalability, reliability, and ease of use.

Communications system 50 Data Communications Services provide built-inservices for local area networks, connecting branch offices toheadquarters, and providing remote access and Internet connectivity toits employees. In addition, the Data Communications Services allowoffices to create virtual private networks (VPNs) to save money onremote access and interoffice connectivity. Further, an office can savesignificant money by integrating both voice and data traffic over thesame T1 access circuit. The built-in multiplexer passes data traffic tothe Data Communications Services for processing; the remaining voicetraffic is passed directly to the PBX.

Communications system 50 multiprotocol router is based on Microsoft's NTRouting and Remote Access Server (RRAS). An office using communicationssystem 50 may extend the base RRAS elements with value-added servicessuch as frame relay and versatile WAN interfaces, including analogdial-up and integrated digital T1 and/or DDS circuits. Multiprotocolrouting (MPR) capabilities provide full-featured, standards-based LANand WAN routing optimized for small and branch offices. Standards-basedfeatures include: IP routing (RIP, RIPv2, OSPFv2); IPX routing (RIP,SAP, IPXWAN); Packet filtering; Frame relay (RFC 1490, Cisco);Point-to-point protocol (PPP), Multilink PPP; Dial-on-demand routing;Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR); PPP authentication protocols(CHAP, PAP); DHCP relay agent; Compression of TCP/IP headers forlow-speed serial links; Path MTU discovery; PPP Internet ProtocolControl Protocol (IPCP); Compression Control Protocol; and ICMP routerdiscovery messages.

Communications system 50 Data Communications Services include remoteaccess services, allowing your business to extend its networks throughphone lines—and keep up with an increasingly mobile work environment.Network managers can use the remote access server capabilities forout-of-band management access, which is especially useful for initialinstallation and troubleshooting from remote locations. Furthermore,mobile and work-at-home users can seamlessly and securely access theuser's corporate network. They can work, print, and run applicationsremotely using such features as the following: Comprehensive dial-upnetworking support for all mainstream remote clients; Authentication;RADIUS client support; Token card support; PPP and Multilink PPP;Microsoft Point-to-Point Compression; Restartable file copy; and Idledisconnect.

Virtual private networks lets a user use IP packet networks, such as theInternet, to provide secure connections between remote users and theircorporate networks, without the expense of a dedicated private network.Communications system 50 offers a flexible and comprehensive solution,based on the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), for creatingVPNs.

With PPTP, a user can dial into a local Internet service provider andaccess the network as easily and securely as if they were at theirdesks. PPTP technology offers significant advantages such as thefollowing: Full interoperability with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NTWorkstation, and many other VPN products; PPTP Client-to-Network; PPTPNetwork-to-Network for interoffice connectivity; Data encryption (RSARC4); and Compatibility with IP, IPX, and NetBEUI.

Data Communications Services include powerful management software thatenables administrators to centralize ongoing network maintenance,diagnostics, and troubleshooting; and easily accomplish remote changessuch as setting up a brand new office or making changes to an existingone. Features include the following: Full SNMP instrumentation; MIBsimplemented for data and voice services; Performance and capacitymonitoring; Display of interface status in real time; Ping; Trace route;NetStat; and WAN protocol trace capability.

Data Communications Services are an integral part of communicationssystem 50. Other communications system 50 software components include:PBX services; Communications system 50 computer-telephony applicationVoice Mail and AutoAttendant applications; and Remote Management System.

Ongoing management costs make up the majority of operating expenses of acommunications infrastructure. This is especially true for remoteoffices, where technical expertise is rare and trained personnelfrequently make on-site visits to perform routine tasks such as moves,adds, and changes. Adding to the problem is the fact that mostcommunications infrastructures consist of multiple boxes from multiplevendors, requiring a variety of specialized personnel to operate andmaintain the many components.

Communications system 50 Remote Management System addresses thesecost-of-ownership issues by providing integrated remote managementcapabilities for both voice and data services. Designed for remotemanagement and fault monitoring, the Remote Management System provides acost-effective method for managing the entire customer premise remotely.Companies with multiple offices or plans to expand can realizesignificant cost savings by leveraging their expensive technicalresources, no matter where they are located. Furthermore, thecentralized management capabilities of communications system 50 presenta unique managed network service opportunity for both voice and dataservice providers.

The Remote Management System consists of the following components:

(1) Remote Management Console: This component provides a unified Webinterface for managing all aspects of communications system 50. Based onHTML, Java, and push technologies, the Remote Management Consoleprovides a consistent interface that is easy to learn and use.

(2) SNMP: Both the voice and data aspects of communications system 50have been SNMP instrumented, including key application services such asvoice mail and PBX.

(3) Call detail recording: A complete record of all voice and data callsplaced or received by communications system 50, this information can beused to analyze call patterns and trunk utilization, and to generatecall reports.

(4) Independent fault monitor: A feature typically found only on largecentral-site systems, the independent fault monitor supervises systemoperation, and detects and reports faults to the system administrator.

(5) Trace manager: A complete log of all system activity, the tracemanager provides useful information such as real-time call progress, WANprotocol traces, frame relay management information, and voice mailactivity to facilitate troubleshooting.

Below is the specifications for communications system 50 RemoteManagement System: Rapid installation: less than 30 minutes; Remotesoftware upgrades; Minimal technical expertise required; Robust,low-maintenance platform; Architected for high availability;Self-diagnostics to ease management burden; Remote management viadigital trunks and over embedded 56 Kbps modems; and Centralizedpassword facility. Remote Management Console of the present inventionincludes the following features and benefits: Web-based console thatmanages all voice and data services; Management of any system in yournetwork over any TCP/IP connection; Multiple administrative levels(customizable); Password protection; Support for remote moves, adds, andchanges; Monitoring and diagnostic utilities; Chassis view that providesan at-a-glance view of system status, including LED states; Graphicaluser interface that is easy to learn and use; Extensive online help; andRuns on Windows 95 and Windows NT, using Internet Explorer 4.0 orNetscape 4.0.

The SNMP features include the following: Full SNMP instrumentation forvoice and data; Support of standard enterprise network managementstations such as HP OpenView and Sun NetManager; SNMP standards: SNMP(RFC 1157), Structure and Identification of Management Information (RFC1155), Concise MIB Definitions (RFC 1212), MIB-II MIB (RFC 1213), Traps(RFC 1215); Standard MIBs: Frame Relay DTE (RFC 1315), T1/E1 Interfaces(RFC 1406), Repeater (RFC 2108), Microsoft HTTP, Microsoft LAN Manager,Microsoft RIPv2, Microsoft OSPFv2; Private MIBs: T1 extensions, stationmodule, voice mail Call detail recording (CDR); Complete record of allvoice and data calls placed or received; Standard file format for importinto CDR applications; and Remote analysis of CDR information without adedicated workstation.

The Independent fault monitor includes the following features andbenefits: Embedded processor that provides an independent watchdogservice for the overall system; System event log; Dedicated modem forremote access; Pager notification of system faults; System status: fan,power supply, operating system; and System reset.

The Trace manager includes the following features and benefits: Displayof all system activity; Graphically based; Enabled on a per-servicebasis; Multiple trace levels; and, Events color-coded for readability.

The Communications system 50 Remote Management System is an integralpart of the communications system 50. Other communications system 50software components include the following: PBX services; Communicationssystem 50 computer-telephony application; Data Communications Services;and Voice Mail and AutoAttendant applications.

Together, these software components combine to provide you a powerful,easy-to-use communications solution optimized for your remote or smalloffice.

Referring now to FIG. 14, additional preferred embodiments utilizingadvanced call logging features will now be described. As illustrated inFIG. 14, call logging window 350 may be opened by a user of an officeattendant-type program running on a computer in accordance with thepresent invention (see, e.g., FIG. 8A, call log icon 142). Inalternative embodiments, call logging window 350 may be automaticallyopened upon receipt of an incoming call, or upon initiation of anoutgoing call. Window 350 preferably includes display windows 352 and354, which preferably displays information for calls in the log, such asa call log identification number, begin call time, end call time,duration of call, type of call (either inbound or outbound), accountinformation, etc. In other embodiments, other information desired to beincluded in a call log record is included in such a window. Window 354is illustrated with only one call displayed, although it should beunderstood that a plurality of calls my be displayed in window 354, andin fact the call log can include numerous calls that cannot be displayedsimultaneously in window 354. A scroll button or buttons (such as scrollicon 353) preferably are provided to scroll up and/or down the loggedcalls.

Preferably, window 356 is provided to display details of a particularcall, which may be selected from a plurality of logged calls in window354 by a click of a mouse or pointer. Window 356 preferably includesdetails of the particular logged call, and also preferably includesaccount field or window 358 and note window 360. It should be noted thataccount field window 358 in preferred embodiments may be desirablyutilized for purposes of tracking calls by account, and for desirablycollecting such logged call information from a plurality of computersand generating reports based on such information. Window 360 may beutilized to display notes entered by the user prior to, during or afterthe call, and/or may display previously entered information. In certainembodiments, window 360 may display information received fromcommunications systems 50 over a packet bus, or from another computer onthe packet bus, such as account status information, payment information,ordering information, etc. In such embodiments, such as based on theaccount information, particular information corresponding to thisaccount may be desirably retrieved and made available to the usercalling the particular account, etc.

In certain embodiments, upon receipt of an incoming call or uponinitiation of an outgoing call, a window such as window 350automatically appears (this may be by way of the office attendant-typeprogram for a user who is managing incoming and outgoing calls of theoffice, or by way of a companion program for a user not managingincoming and outgoing calls of the office). In preferred embodiments,the user is prompted by a brief message displayed on the screen and/oran audio message played on the user's computer to enter the accountnumber in window/field 358. In still other embodiments, the user mustinsert an account number in window/field 358 in order to complete theincoming or outgoing call. In such embodiments, processor/systemresources 70 and/or the user's computer promptly reads any accountnumber information provided by the user and any accepts or validates theaccount number (e.g., compares the entered account number to a storedlist of valid account numbers, and determines if there is a match). Inthe event that an invalid account number is detected, a suitable messagewindow and/or audio alert indicating that the account number entered isinvalid, unrecognized, etc., preferably is provided to the user. In theevent that a valid account number is detected, then the call iscompleted.

In alternate embodiments, the user is prompted by a brief messagedisplayed on the screen (such as in a suitable window) or audibly, andthe call completed but only for a predetermined time. This would enablethe call to be completed without account authorization and/orvalidation, but would require that the account information be promptlyinput in a predetermined time interval.

In still alternate embodiments, communications system 50 (and/or anothercomputer coupled to communications system 50 via a packet bus, etc.),periodically polls the computers utilizing a program with a call loggingsuch as previously described retrieves the call log information. Withautomated call log polling, a central resource such as communicationssystem 50 (and/or another computer) may periodically, and preferablyautomatically, collect call logging information over the packet bus(again, see, e.g., FIG. 3), which may be then made available to asuitable application running on communications system 50 and/or anothercomputer, and compiled, processed, analyzed, printed, etc. In accordancewith such embodiments, incoming and outgoing calls may be desirablylogged and associated with account information, with such loggedinformation desirably collected from a plurality of computers and madeavailable to a central resource for further processing and/or use.

It should be noted that in preferred embodiments, communications system50 continuously monitors or knows which particular computers are “loggedon” and running an office attendant-type program or a companion or otherprogram. In this manner, communications system 50 may continually beaware of which computers/users are logged on, and may thus send emails,commands, net messages or take other actions based on such information.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 through 17H, various aspects of remoteadministration/configuration and remote diagnostics of a system such ascommunications system 50 in accordance with certain preferredembodiments of the present invention will now be described.

FIG. 15 illustrates a window from a remote administration/configurationapplication/applet (preferably what is known as a Java applet, etc.)that preferably utilizes a desirable browser-type application interface.With a browser type interface, a person desiring to remotely configureor administer communications system 50 desirably uses a browser andpreferably establishes an IP or similar connection with communicationssystem 50. In preferred embodiments, the IP-type connection may beestablished via WAN connection (via WAN network services 58; see, e.g.,FIG. 3), via a LAN connection, via a serial port connection (via, forexample, a serial port to processor/system resources 70), via a modemconnection (via modem 75 of FIG. 3), etc.

What is important to note is that administration/configuration ofcommunications system 50 may be remotely performed via an IP or similarconnection, preferably with a browser-type application, and preferablyusing the HyperText Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”) or similar protocol. Insuch preferred embodiments, HTTP commands may be used to remotelyadminister, configure and diagnose communications system 50 in adesirable and flexible manner. It should also be noted that the use ofHTTP commands in such a manner to administer, configure, etc., WANresources (e.g., T-1 cards or resources), PBX and telephony resources(e.g., station cards, voice mail), and LAN resources (e.g., Ethernet orother network cards/resources) enables remote control and monitoring ofcommunications system 50 in a flexible and desirable manner. Inparticular, if a security arrangement known as a “firewall” isimplemented in conjunction with communications system 50, the use ofsuch HTTP commands to configure a WAN service (for example) may be morereadily accomplished in that most firewall systems utilize ports thatallow HTTP communications/traffic, which thereby reduces conflicts withthe firewall security system. In effect, remote processing may beaccomplished by HTTP “tunneling” into communications system 50 with anIP-type connection, etc.

It also should be noted that password/user identification securityarrangements are preferably utilized in such embodiments in order tomaintain security over the configuration and operation of communicationssystem 50. Encryption techniques also may be utilized in order toimprove such security if desired for the particular application.

It also should be noted that such embodiments preferably operate on thebasis of “transactions.” Preferably, the remote computer or clientcoupled to communications system 50 using a session implemented withHTTP “tunneling” establish a transaction-based interaction. Inaccordance with such embodiments, the client initiates a transactionusing, for example, Java programming remotely, such as over theInternet, preferably using what is known as a private virtual network orprivate virtual channel connection. The particular transaction oroperation (such as described elsewhere herein) are initiated by clientand proceed until completion, at which time the results of thetransaction are made known to the client, or else the client has theoption prior to completion of the transaction of “rolling back” orcanceling the transaction in the event that the client user determinesthat something is wrong or incorrect with the transaction, etc.Preferably, the software on the communications system “server” promptsthe client with an option to accept, modify or roll-back thetransaction. In preferred embodiments, the client-server session mayprocess one or a series of such transactions. With such atransaction-based system, remote commands and operations may beperformed in a more secure manner between the preferably Java client andserver, all of which is preferably achieved using HTTP tunneling aspreviously described.

Referring again to FIG. 15, various icons are illustrated for remoteaccess by a user desiring to remotely administer/configurecommunications system 50. By clicking appropriate icons, various systemadministration/configuration functions may be implemented. Asillustrated, general administration functions may include or relate to:log off, diagnostics, help, chassis view (described in greater detaillater), general settings, software versions (enabling a viewing of aregistry of software modules and releases, etc., installed on theparticular communication system 50), call detail report, restart/reboot,password administration, SNMP configuration, system backup/restore, diskarray configuration, access permissions, SNMP alarms, software upgrade,date and time, etc. As illustrated, PBX and voice mail administrationfunctions may include or relate to: extension configuration, autoattendant and voice mail, first digit table, hunt groups, station ports,local TAPI configuration, CTI speed dial numbers, etc. As illustrated,data administration functions may include or relate to: IP networksettings, IPX configuration, RRAS routing (routing and remote accessservice), network services and adapters, etc. As illustrated, trunkadministration functions may include or relate to: trunk groups, T-1trunks, trunk access profiles, analog trunks, frame relay, etc.

What is important to note is that, in such preferred embodiments,various icons are presented so that a remote person may convenientlyselect via an appropriate and intuitive icon an applet to achieve thedesired function or operation, and which may conveniently be used toconfigure and administer the communications system and configure PBX,voice mail, LAN and IP network connections, trunk groups, T-1 trunks,frame relay, etc. In accordance with such embodiments, a single userinterface, remotely viewable, may be used to access and administer,etc., voice, data, LAN, WAN services and applications, etc.

FIGS. 16A through 16F will be used to further describe various aspectsof such remote administration/configuration in accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16A illustrates a preferred exemplary embodiment of “chassis view”window 364, which, for example, may be displayed in response toselecting of the chassis view icon of FIG. 15. Window 364 preferablyincludes a visual representation of chassis 366 of communications system50, and preferably includes a visual representation of various stationcards, resources cards, power supplies, drives, etc. Such a visualrepresentation may include station/resource cards 374, includedparticular card 372 indicated with a pointer arrow, power supply(ies)370, drive 368, etc. What is important is that an intuitive visualrepresentation of the overall system be desirably displayed in a mannerto facilitate an understanding of the configuration of the particularcommunications system 50 that is being remotely monitored, administered,configured, etc.

In preferred embodiments, pointing to a particular card or resourceresults in an enlarged visual representation of that card or resource,as illustrated by the pointer being directed to card 372, resulting inan enlarged representation of card 372 appearing adjacent to the chassisview. In the illustrated example, card 372 includes network connectionports in circle 378, and as examples shows empty port 378A and occupiedport 378B. Thus, in accordance with such embodiments, an enlarged viewof a card or resource may be visually displayed and remotely viewed, anda visual representation of whether particular ports or resources areutilized (such as, for example, by having an Ethernet or other networkcable attached) also may conveniently be provided.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, various functions and/oroperations are provided for remote administration/configuration, such aspreviously described. Windows to provide such functions and operationspreferably are displayed in a manner to intuitively lead the remoteperson through the desired operation, etc. Such windows may be accessedby selecting an appropriate icon such as are illustrated in FIG. 15 (theicons of FIG. 15 are ©1998, Vertical Networks, Inc. (assignee of thepresent application)), or they may be accessed by way of clicking on aparticular station or resource card in the chassis view of FIG. 16A.Various remote administration/configuration windows will now be furtherdescribed.

Referring to FIG. 16B, window 380 is provided for configuration of T-1channels of a particular communications system 50. As previouslydescribed, window 380 may be presented in response to clicking on theT-1 trunks icon of FIG. 15, or alternatively window 380 may be presentedin response to clicking on a T-1 resource/station card of the chassisview of FIG. 16A. As illustrated, with a point and click operation onwindow 380, the remote person may enable/disable T-1 channels, set orreset signaling (e.g., wink start, ground start, etc.), configure trunkgroups (e.g., WAN data (which may be used to direct clear channel datatrunk traffic to an RRAS interface, thereby enabling the LAN totransmit/receive data to/from the WAN), voice analog (e.g., to directincoming analog voice trunk traffic to a default destination), voicedigital (e.g., to direct incoming digital voice traffic to a defaultdestination), DID analog (e.g., to direct incoming direct inward dialanalog voice trunk traffic to a default destination), DID digital (e.g.,to direct incoming DID digital trunk traffic to a default destination),and modem (e.g., to direct either T-1 trunks or analog trunks to one ormore modems included as part of communications system 50).

In accordance with such embodiments, T-1 trunks may be configured in anintuitive point and click manner, thereby facilitating remoteadministration and configuration of such resources. As a particularexample, multiple T-1 channels may be selected in FIG. 16B as a blockwith the mouse or pointer, and such block-selected T-1 channels may thenbe simultaneously configured (e.g., configure to be enabled/disabled,configure signaling, configure trunk groups, etc.). With such a clickand block select operation, multiple T-1 channels may be configured in agroup.

As illustrated in FIG. 16C, window 382 may be presented in order toconfigure station ports of a station card (again, either by iconselection or selecting a station card in chassis view, etc.). Also asillustrated, the state of particular stations'(e.g., enabled ordisabled), phone type (e.g., caller ID, basic, etc.), mail waitingindicator (MWI) (e.g., stutter the dial tone, light a lamp on the phone,etc.), operation mode (e.g., operate as a station, direct to voice mail,etc.). As described earlier with respect to FIG. 16B, with intuitivepoint and click type operations, various station cards may be selected(including multiple stations that may be selected as a block, etc.) andconfigured remotely and in an intuitive manner.

FIG. 16D illustrates window 384, which may be used to configure analogtrunks in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. FIG. 16E illustrates window 386, which may be used toconfigure frame relay type WAN resources in accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention. FIG. 16F illustrates window 388,which may be used to configure network (e.g., IP network) settings inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

As will be appreciated from these illustrative examples, variousadministration/configuration operations may be carried out remotely,preferably using an intuitive browser-type interface, and preferablyusing HTTP type commands in an applet environment such as with Java, ina desirable and much improved manner.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17A through 17H, such remote processing conceptsare extended to remote diagnostic operations in accordance with yetother preferred embodiments of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 17A, various icons may be presented in order fora remote user to perform remote diagnostics on communications system 50.Such icons may be used to present, for example, various “DOS prompt”type commands (e.g., Ping, ARP, route print, net stat, host name, traceroute and IP config). Icons also may be presented for more advanceddiagnostic-type operations, such as trunk monitor, link monitor, voicemail monitor, station monitor and trace monitor. Various of thesediagnostic operations will now be more fully described.

As illustrated in FIG. 17B, window 390 may be presented in order toprovide a trunk monitoring function. As illustrated, window 390 may beused to readily provide information regarding the slot, board, port,state, and called and calling party information of various trunks. Asillustrated in FIG. 17C, window 392 may be presented in order to providea link monitoring function. As illustrated, window 392 may be used toreadily provide information regarding links that may be establishedwithin communications system 50, such as which cards are connected towhich port, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 17D, window 394 may be presentedin order to provide a station monitoring function. As illustrated,window 394 may be used to readily provide information regarding thestatus of various stations/extension in communications system 50. Aswill be appreciated, such windows may be used to readily present desiredstatus and other diagnostic type information to a remote person.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, advanced remote tracemonitoring also may be provided. FIG. 17E illustrates window 396, whichmay be used to display trace information from various softwarecomponents, drivers, etc. in communications system 50. The level andtype of trace information that is remotely provided may be desiredcontrolled in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. FIG. 17F illustrates window 397, in which a first level oftracing information (e.g., “standard”) that may be provided is selected.As illustrated, the remote user may select various components to havetrace information provided in the trace monitor window. FIG. 17Gillustrates window 398, in which a second, higher level of tracinginformation (e.g., “advanced”) that may be provided is selected. Asillustrated, the remote user may select various software components,such as those related to automated attendant, voice mail, connectionmanager, DSP manager, T-1 drivers, LAN drivers, frame relay drivers,etc., and may also select various trace filters to more preciselycontrol the trace information that is provided. FIG. 17H illustrateswindow 399, in which certain timing and mode information may beselected. As illustrated, window 399 may be used to provide that tracinginformation is presented in real time or stored to a file, with controlpreferably provided for the number of entries that are displayed, pollinterval, etc. For trace entries stored in a file, start and end timesearch parameters also may be selected.

Referring now to FIG. 18, additional aspects of preferred embodiments ofthe present invention will now be described.

Based on the description provided elsewhere, it will be apparent thatcommunications system 50 may be coupled to other such communicationssystems in a manner desirable for the particular application. FIG. 18illustrates three such communications systems 50A, 50B and 50 C (inother embodiments other numbers of such communications systems 50 may beprovided). The various communications systems are coupled to variousdesired WAN services (WAN services 58A, 58B and 58C being illustrated),and also may be coupled to each other, such as through connections 410Aand 410B, etc. Connections 410A and 410B may be, for example, anEthernet or other LAN-type connection (e.g., for multiple communicationssystems 50 in the same general locations or physical proximity), oralternatively may be a remote connection such as a connectionestablished over the Internet

(e.g., an IP connection), such as for communications system 50geographically remote from each other (e.g., a head office and one ormore remote satellite-type offices, etc.). FIG. 3 illustrates thevarious paths that may be utilized to establish such a connection. Whatis important is that information may be coupled between the variouscommunications systems in a manner suitable for the particular physicalconfiguration.

Preferably, communications system 50A includes a PRI or primary rateinterface or ISDN circuit that includes what a number of B (or “bearer”)channels and at least one D (or “data”) channel used to carry, forexample, control signal signals and customer call data such as in apacket switched mode. As is known in the art, a D or similar controlsignaling channel typically is used to provide appropriate signalinginformation for the voice or B channels. The D channel typically andpreferably carries such control signaling information in the form of aserial data stream. The control signaling over such a D-type channel issometimes referred to as NFAS, or Network Facility Associated Signaling.

As illustrated, communications system 50A also preferably has coupledthereto one or more T-1 or similar digital transmission or other links,and communications system 50B and 50C also preferably have coupledthereto one or more T-1 or similar digital transmission or other links.With the various communications systems coupled together as previouslydescribed (e.g., Ethernet/LAN connection, IP connection, etc.), the Dchannel coupled to communications system 50A may be used to providesignaling-type information for one or more T-1 links coupled tocommunications systems 50A, 50B and/or 50C. As in many applications theD-type signaling channel may have sufficient bandwidth to providesignaling information for a plurality of communication links, withcommunications systems implemented and/or connected together asdescribed herein, a common D-type signaling channel may be used toefficient provide signaling information for a plurality of T-1 orsimilar links coupled to a plurality of such communications systems,etc. Thus, in accordance with such embodiments, a distributed-type NFASsignaling arrangement may be implemented for a plurality ofcommunications systems.

FIG. 19 illustrates another configuration of a plurality ofcommunications systems 50 (this type of configuration may be substitutedfor the configuration illustrated in FIG. 18, or vice versa, or somecombination of these configurations). While three communications systemsare illustrated (50A, 50B and 50C), other numbers of communicationssystems are utilized in other embodiments.

As illustrated, communications system 50A is coupled to WAN services 58Aover connection 412 (the other communications systems may be similarlycoupled to WAN services, etc.), which may be any suitableconnection/link such as described elsewhere herein. As describedelsewhere herein, VoIP (or other packetized voice/data communications)may be coupled to/from WAN services 58A and communications system 50A.As previously described, communications systems in accordance with thepresent invention include suitable HDLC or other data framing/deframingengines, DSPs (such as for decompression or other processing), PBX andLAN router types of functions. With an arrangement such as illustratedin FIG. 19, a VoIP or similar or other packetized data may be received,for example, by communications system 50A. This data streamconventionally might be de-packetized and processed upon receipt by thereceiving system. Communications systems in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention, however, have the ability to route the datastream to other communications systems (e.g., 50B or 50C) over asuitable connection 410C. As previously described, such systems may becoupled via an Ethernet or LAN type connection, an IP or otherconnection, which preferably supports packetized transmissions. Thus, apacketized communication/data stream may be received by a firstcommunications system, which may depacketize and process thecommunication/data stream, or forward without depacketizing to a secondcommunications system, which may depacketize and process thecommunication/data stream, or forward without depacketizing to a thirdcommunications system, and so on. In this manner VoIP othercommunications may be achieved with a plurality of communicationssystems, with a reduced latency over systems that, for example, mustdepacketize, decompress, etc. the data stream before it is provided toanother computer or system. Thus, a data stream may be routed by onecommunications system to another without such additional processing.

It should be noted that communications systems 50 illustrated in FIGS.18 and 19, for example, also have coupled thereto a plurality ofcomputers, telephones, etc., as previously described for purposes ofgenerating, receiving various data streams, etc., although such detailshave not been shown for ease of description.

As described elsewhere herein, various voice mail type options may bepresented to users of such communications systems in accordance with thepresent invention. One such advantageous voice mail option provided inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention includeadvanced email or voice mail-type broadcasts of desired messages. A usermay decide to send a voice mail or email to some or all users of thecommunication system. With a suitable office attendant-type orcompanion-type program, for example, a user may select from a grouplist, etc., a desired group of persons to receive the communication. Abroadcast voice mail, for example, could be input through the user'stelephone in a conventional manner, and routed (see FIG. 3) through, forexample, DSP 78 (via TDM bus 78, switch/multiplexer 74, etc.) whichconverts the voice mail message into an suitable data format, such aswhat is known as a WAV file, etc., and then sent via (for example)packet bus 80A and/or 80B to a plurality of computers. Communicationssystem 50 also, for example, can record which users have received or notreceived the communication so that users may later receive thecommunication (such as when they log on at a later time). In addition,communications system 50 also has the capability to parallely processthe communication as a message that is to be sent to persons via, forexample the Internet. Using an HDLC framer/deframer as is provided inaccordance with the present invention, a user may generate a voice mailor email communication that the communications system sends aspacketized data over the LAN to recipients recognized to be users havinga computer on the LAN, while generating a suitable HDLC, ATM framedcommunication to recipients who are reachable over the WAN, such as overthe Internet or other IP connection, etc.

Described elsewhere herein are embodiments in which visualrepresentations of pink slips or yellow stick-ons are generated torepresent net messages, etc. This concept, in other embodiments, isextended also to voice mail and email messages. While not expresslyillustrated, it should be understood that the present invention includesthe ability to convert voice information (including voice mail typemessages) into a suitable data format so that it may be delivered overthe WAN or LAN to various computers coupled to communications system 50.Similarly, communications system 50 has the capability also to serve asan email server (in addition to other functions, as described elsewhereherein). Thus, in conjunction with a suitable program running onparticular computers coupled to communications system 50, voice mailsmay be presented as data files to the various particular computers, andemails and net messages may similarly be presented to the variousparticular computers (such as described elsewhere herein). In certainalternate embodiments one, two or three visual “stacks” may bepresented, for example, with one stack constituting a visualrepresentation of a stack of voice mails (with suitable icons for play,pause, backward, forward, delete, file, freeze/hold, etc., as well asother icons analogous to those described for net messages), with asecond stack constituting a visual representation of a stack or netmessages (such as described elsewhere herein), and/or with a third stackconstituting a visual representation of a stack of email messages (withicons similar to those described for net messages, etc.). Such stackpreferably may be minimized or expanded, and desirably provide a unifiedvisual interface for a variety of communications, etc.

It also should be noted that DSP 76 is desirably utilized in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention. Data streams may bedesirably coupled to a resource such as DSP 76 in order to have, forexample, processes such speech/voice recognition, text to speechconversion, speech to text conversion, compression, translation, etc.Thus, data streams from the LAN, WAN, modem, etc. may be desirablycoupled to resources such as DSP 76 to provide such processes.

It also should be noted that, in preferred embodiments, DSP 76 iscoupled to to switch/multiplexer 74 in a manner so that it may “tap”into the various TDM data streams. This provides a significantimprovement over systems in which data streams must be directed into aresource such as DSP 76, and then sent from DSP 76 over a separatechannel, etc. (thereby utilized two channels, etc.). In suchembodiments, DSP 76 can tap into or monitor data streams on particularTDM channels and provide, for example, processing to accomplishrecognition (voice or speech, etc.), detection (such as of a fax ormodem call, etc.), compression (including compression, transcoding,streaming and storing, etc.), packetizing (such as to prepare a dataformat such as for an email, etc.). In one illustrative example of suchembodiments, communications system 50 may be programmed so thatparticular users (e.g., president, technical support, warranty claimsline, etc.) automatically have voice mails stored as voice mails andalso as an email or other data form. Thus, a voice call may be directedinto voice mail, while DSP 76 concurrently processes the voice datastream into another form (e.g., email, data file, etc.), which may bestored, send over the WAN or LAN, etc. Having DSP 76, and particularlyconfigured (such as with switch/multiplexer 74) so as to tap into thevarious channels, provides significant advantages in a variety ofapplications.

Referring now to FIG. 20, an embodiment of the present inventionincluding a backup communications capability will now be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, backup communication module 416 preferably isprovided in communications system 50. In the illustrated embodiment,backup communication module 416 is coupled to bus 414, which may be apart of processor/system resources 70 (such as, for example, bus 408 ofFIG. 3A, etc.), and may be a ISA or PCI-type of bus, etc. Coupled to bus414 are other components of communications system 50, such as bus 84,buffer/framer 72, switch/multiplexer 74, buses 86, 90 and 78, cards 82,WAN services 58, etc. In general, the various components discussed inconnection with FIG. 3 are applicable with embodiments incorporatingbackup communication module 416, although such components are notillustrated in FIG. 20.

Backup communications module 416 preferably includes bus interface 420for coupling information to/from bus 414, memory 424 for storing variousinformation, as will described hereinafter, CPU 418, FLASH or otherprogrammable memory 426, and modem or other communication unit 428.Module 416 preferably includes a standby or backup power supply 434,although in certain alternate embodiments communication unit 428 iscoupled to, for example, link 430 of WAN services 58E, which may be adedicated telephone line, POTS line, etc., which provides sufficientpower to module 416 so that power supply 434 is not required. In suchalternate embodiments, the various components of module 416 areimplemented in low power CMOS technology or the like, and consumesufficiently low amounts of power so that module 434 may operate at asuitable speed in order to provide backup communications using only thepower provided by link 430, such as, for example, in the event of apower failure in communications system 50 or the office in whichcommunications system 50 is located, etc.

Preferably, memory 424 receives and stores via bus interface 420 avariety of information regarding the status and operation ofcommunications system 50. For example, memory 424 may store power-onself test data (i.e., status, trace or other information generatedduring power-on, boot-up, etc.), SNMP data for the PBX, WAN resources,voice mail, LAN resources, etc.), monitor or trace data (such asdescribed elsewhere herein). Preferably, module 416 receives periodicupdates from communications system 50, including information sufficientto debug, reboot, etc., communications system 50. Various trace,monitoring, diagnostic or other information may be made available tomodule 416 for storage in memory 424.

The data in memory 424 preferably is organized in a hierarchical manner,with, for example, various levels of information. Certain informationmay be so critical that it is retained in memory 424 until deleted(e.g., a level 1 category of information, such as critical fault data,etc.). Other information may be retained for a predetermined period oftime and then purged, unless, for example, a level 1 event has occurred(e.g., a level 2 category of information). Still other information maybe retained for a predetermined period of time (the same as or differentfrom the level 2 period) and then purged, etc. What is important is thata variety of information be provided to memory 424 and hierarchicallyretained, which less critical information periodically purged in orderto make room for additional information in memory 424, etc.

Still preferably, CPU 418 executes what is know as a watch dog timer(WDT) function. In preferred embodiments, a fault monitoring subsystemof communications system 50 periodically provides a signal/updateindicative of the status of communications system 50 (e.g., normal,active, ok, etc.). In the event that such a signal or information is notprovided in a predetermined interval of time, CPU 418 may recognize thisevent as an abnormality and begin a process to communication withcommunications system 50, and/or initiate a remote communication such asover communications unit 428 in order to alert a remote user or systemof the abnormality, etc.

Preferably, FLASH or other programmable memory 426 is provided in module416. Memory 426 preferably stores operational programs for module 416,including, for example, diagnostic, debug, monitor or other routines inorder to facilitate a debug, reboot, etc. of communications system 50.Preferably, the algorithms and/or programs in memory 426 may beperiodically updated, either over bus 422, but preferably through link430 and communications unit 428. Programming of memory 426 remotely,such as over communications unit 428, enables a remote technician, forexample, more flexibility in remotely monitoring, debugging, rebooting,etc. communications system 50.

As previously described, module 416 preferably has a dedicate line(e.g., a POTS line) for such backup communications, and telephone 12optionally may be coupled to such line for emergency voice calls or thelike, etc. In alternate embodiments, however, communications unit isalso (or alternatively) coupled to channels of TDM bus 78. In certainembodiments, a predetermined channel or channels of TDM bus 78 arededicated for such backup communications. In other embodiments,communication unit 428 is coupled to TDM bus 78 through switch 432, andin such embodiments dedicated TDM channels are not required.

As will be appreciated, information contained in memory 424 may beremotely viewed, either through communications unit 428 or through aconnection established through buses 422 and 414, etc. Bus interface 420enables data transmissions to/from module 416 when communications system50 is operating in a normal manner, while also having the ability toisolate module 416 from bus 414 in the event of a serious abnormality incommunications system 50. It also should be noted that communicationsunit 428 preferably is a modem, but communications unit 428 also couldconsist of a signaling device to a pager or other wireless communicationdevice, or could be a unit for establishing IP or other packetcommunications, etc. What is important is that communications unit 428have capability to transmit desired information over the choice mediumfor link 430 in order to provide desirable backup communications andmonitoring of communications system 50 in accordance with the presentinvention.

In accordance with such embodiments, the remote user may configuretracing in desirable and flexible manner. Through the use of tracefilters, various software components and drivers in effect may be toldwhat trace information to provide, which information is preferablyprovided to a central storage location in communications system 50 andmade available in real time or by file access to such a remote user.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 to 35, exemplary embodiments of programmabledigital telephones coupled to communications system 50 and anaccompanying GUI configuration will be described.

FIGS. 25 to 29 illustrate preferred embodiments of the physical designof four programmable digital telephones. FIG. 25 illustrates 8-buttontelephone 466. FIG. 19 illustrates 8-button telephone 468 with display.FIG. 20 illustrates 16-button telephone 470 and FIG. 21 illustrates64-button telephone 472. Preferably each digital telephone can beprogrammed individually through a series of GUI windows in the userconfiguration module, which will be described below:

FIG. 29 depicts exemplary embodiments of the digital telephones infurther detail, illustrating the physical features that preferablyaccompany each telephone set. Preferably each telephone consists oftelephone chassis 474, handset 476, display 478, feature keys 480,feature key LEDs 482, dial pad 484, speaker 486, volume control keys488, and microphone jack 490. In preferred embodiments of the digitaltelephones, the features include tri-colored LEDs, wherein each colorcorresponds to one of three states (on, off, or flash) and indicates thestate of each line key, such as idle, dial, ring, connect, block, hold,bypass, etc. It should be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, thephysical features may include additional LEDs, buttons, speakers,microphones, switches, jacks, ports, antennas, card slots, andcardbuses, etc.

The digital telephones preferably provide the following pre-programmedfeatures:

(1) Idle: When two telephones are connected, and the user disconnectsand returns to idle, the second telephone also returns to idle, so thatit is unnecessary for the user to hang up the handset or press release.

(2) Hold: To place the current call on hold and answer the call waitingcall, the user may press the call waiting button. The primary line LEDmay flash (e.g.: red) and the call waiting LED may be lit and connected(e.g.: green). To place the call waiting on hold and switch back to theoriginal call, the user presses the primary line key. This feature oftoggling back and forth between the two calls can continue as many timesas desired.

(3) Hot dial pad: While the telephone is idle, the user may press adigit to automatically place the telephone in handsfree mode, andinitiate a dialing sequence. When the last digit is dialed, then thecall is placed. The call may be switched to the handset at any time bylifting the handset.

(4) Autodial: Pressing the 1 key while the telephone is idleautomatically puts the telephone in handsfree mode and dials the numberprogrammed into the autodial button, thus placing the call. The callprogress tones are audible through the speaker. The call may be switchedto the handset at any time by lifting the handset.

(5) Message waiting: The message waiting indicator doubles as an easilyaccessible way to call and access voicemail. The user presses the MWIkey while telephone is idle, which automatically places the telephone inthe handsfree mode and accesses voicemail.

(6) Conference call: For a conference call, the user establishes aconnection with the first party, either by receiving or making a call,then presses the conference button and dials the second party. After thecall is answered, the user presses the conference button again. Thedisplay updates on the telephone on each connected party to show thereare three members in the conference. To add a fourth party, the user mayrepeat these steps, starting with pressing the conference button.

(7) Transfer: To transfer a call that is presently connected, the userpreferably presses transfer and dial the target extension, waits for theanswer, then presses the transfer button again. If the user wishes toperform a blind transfer, then the user presses the transfer buttonagain while the call is still ringing.

(8) Blind transfer: If the user frequently does blind transfers, thetransfer button may be programmed to always perform a blind transfer. Inthis case, the second push of the transfer button is unnecessary.

(9) Call waiting: For call waiting, a call to an extension whileconnected in another call will show as ringing on the call waitingbutton. The call waiting button is then treated as a pseudo-line key.

Referring to FIG. 30, preferred embodiments of the GUI configuration ofthe programmable digital telephones will now be described. It should beunderstood that such a configuration application may be run any computerconnected to communication system 50, similar to the configurationwindows described elsewhere herein. Thus, in addition to programmingfeatures and buttons of such digital phones with telephone keypaddepressions (with the digital phone put in a program mode that conveysphone configuration information to communication system 50 such as bycommands sent via the telephone), such a graphical interface may moredesirably guide a user through the steps of programming the digitalphones, with the configuration data resulting from the configurationsend to communication system 50 such as over a packet bus as previouslydescribed.

As illustrated in FIG. 30, configure user window 492 is provided toconfigure feature keys 480 of digital telephones 466 to 472. Configureuser window 492 may be opened by a user or administration of an officeattendant-type program or remote configuration-type program running on acomputer coupled to communication system 50. Window 492 preferablyincludes user name display 494, extension display 496, OK button 498,cancel button 500, help button 502, and tabbed windows 504, such asoverview, telephone, forwarding, pickup group, etc. To program thedigital telephones, the user preferably selects the tabbed windowlabeled telephone, whereupon telephone window 506 will appear.

FIG. 31 illustrates telephone window 506, which is provided foridentifying the features of digital telephones 466 to 472. As noted intelephone window 506, the user is instructed to select the telephonetype from a predetermined list of telephone types, which may be limitedby the hardware of the slot or port. The list of telephone types appearsin pulldown menu 508. The user preferably selects radial button 510 toenable or disable the supported digital telephone. The user may alsoselect the types of features from a predetermined list of templates inpulldown menu 512, which are determined by the type of digital telephoneselected by the user. After the user selects a feature from pulldownmenu 512, the user may select customize button 514 to modify theprogrammable fields for the feature key settings on the selected digitaltelephone. Additional features, such as call waiting and do not disturb,are noted with checkboxes 516, in the features section of telephonewindow 506. FIG. 32 further illustrates pulldown menu 512, whichpreferably includes a plurality of features, such as basic, DSS/BLF,retail, secretarial, etc. In accordance with the present invention, datafor configuring digital telephones 466-472, which has been selectedand/or entered by the user, is saved in communication system 50.Communication system 50 stores configuration data for the particularprogrammed digital phone, which is then later accessed as the phone isutilized in order for communication system 50 to decode the buttondepressions on the digital phone and to take appropriate action inresponse thereto.

With reference to FIG. 33, after customize button 514 is selected by theuser, telephone button window 516 appears, displaying a digital image ofthe selected telephone, such as 16-button telephone 470. (The selectedtelephone will correspond to the type of telephone chosen by the user inpulldown menu 508 as illustrated in FIG. 31.) Telephone button window516 provides programmable fields for each feature key of digitaltelephones 466-472. By selecting a key in the GUI, the user may choosefrom a predetermined list of features provided in telephone buttonwindow 518. Accordingly, data for configuring digital telephones466-472, which has been selected and/or entered by the user, isaccordingly saved in communication system 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 34, telephone button window 518 preferablyincludes customizable pop-up menu 520, which indicates the variousprogrammable features available for the digital telephones. Preferablypop-up menu 520 is positioned adjacent to feature keys 480. Theprogrammable features, for example, may include auto dial 522, callreturn 524, call waiting 526, camp-on 528, Centrex flash 530, Designatedstation select/busy lamp field 532, do not disturb 534, extension pickup536, line appearance 538, program 540, self park 542, transfer 544,unassigned 546, user forward 548, and voice call 550.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, autodial 522 is provided to automatically dial a pre-configured telephonenumber. Call return 524 rings back the extension of the last inboundcall, if the call originated within the office attendant-type system.Call waiting 526 places an existing call on hold in order to connect toan incoming call. Camp-on 528 is similar to call return 526, butprovides the option of ringing back an extension as soon as theextension becomes available. Centrex flash 530 accesses call transferfeatures provided by Centrex telephone services, which is availablethrough most TSPs. Designated station select/busy lamp field (orDSS/BLF) 532 monitors the status of specified extensions and transferscalls to those extensions. Do not disturb 534 prevents a telephone fromringing. Extension pickup 536 answers a specific ringing extensionwithin a call pickup group. Line appearance 538 is a secondary line forextensions without a designated station port or a physical telephone; itprovides a voicemail rollover function for either primary or virtualextensions. Program 540 enables programmable features, such as autodial, forward, and voicecall keys. Self park 542 places a call in aparked state on the user telephone for retrieval from another telephone.Transfer 544 transfers calls to another extension. Unassigned 546provides the option of leaving the extension unassigned. User forward548 dispatches calls to another extension or telephone number. Voicecall550 enables an intercom to page a specific extension. It is important tonote that some of these programmable features may be selected and usedsimultaneously, depending upon which features are enabled and disabled.

As further illustrated in FIG. 34, if a feature is selected in telephonebutton window 518, then the feature preferably is highlighted asexemplified by DSS/BLF 532. The user then preferably presses OK button552 to make the selection or cancel button 554 to cancel the selection.However, if a feature is selected, then configuration window 556 appearsas illustrated in FIG. 35. Accordingly, data for configuring digitaltelephones 466-472, which has been selected and/or entered by the user,is accordingly saved in communication system 50.

FIG. 35 illustrates preferred embodiments of the GUI for configurationwindow 556. Each configuration window for feature buttons preferablycontains name display 558, extension display 560, and additionalsettings in the form of check boxes or radial buttons, such as check box562. After determining the features in configuration window 556, theuser must select OK button 564, which sets the features, or cancelbutton 566, which resets the features to the default mode. Althoughadditional settings window 561 is illustrated with one feature setting,it should be understood that a plurality of feature settings may beprogrammed into the office attendant-type system and displayed inconfiguration window 556.

As illustrated in FIG. 36, additional settings window 561 preferablyincludes one or a plurality of check boxes for optional features, suchas do not ring telephone, do not receive paging, use offhook ring, mutemicrophone when voice calls are received, etc. In accordance with thepresent invention, data for configuring digital telephones 466-472,which has been selected and/or entered by the user, is accordingly savedin communication system 50.

In addition, similar GUI configuration windows preferably are providedin order to facilitate production of labels that are typically appliedto the digital phone in order to provide a visual indication of theparticular functions that have been programmed for the particularbuttons of the phone, etc. Preferably, an application runs inconjunction with the phone configuration application, whichautomatically prints labels for the feature keys in accordance with theprogrammable fields selected for a specified digital telephone. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, data about programmablefields generated as part of the phone configuration process are storedin one or more files that are accessible by the label generationapplication. Such files preferably extract the configuration data,associate it with particular buttons of the particular phone that wasconfigured, with the application preparing a label that corresponds tothe particular programmed features for the particular programmed phone.Thus, the label generation application may use this data to printprogrammable field information (e.g. redial, hold, voice call, etc.) onpreferably pre-formatted labels which correspond to the type of digitaltelephone and the selected feature keys of feature keys 480. Labels maybe printed in a plurality of formats of generic telephone labels and inaccordance with the programmable features and types of digitaltelephones. For example, a user may print pre-formatted labels for16-button telephone 470, so that the pre-formatted labels correspond tofeature keys 480 on 16-button telephone 470. Label generation windowpreferably provides the user with step-by-step instructions for printinglabels via a series of linked windows. It is important to note that thelabel generation window also preferably provides a one-click button forprinting labels, so that a button in the label generation window may bepressed by the user to print the feature key label. Thus, a computer,such as computer 24 in FIG. 3, when coupled to communication system 50,may print digital telephone labels via a printer, such as printer 22 inFIG. 3. In accordance with the present invention, data for configuringdigital telephones 466-472, which has been selected and/or entered bythe user, is accordingly saved by communication system 50.

It should be understood that, digital phones as described herein, mayconnect to appropriate digital phone interface circuitry and be used toprovide traditional telephony communications, VoIP telephonycommunications, and may be used in conjunction with other aspects ofcommunication system 50 as described elsewhere herein.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a variety ofhighly integrated voice, data, and video communications systems may alsobe employed. In accordance with additional aspects of the presentinvention, highly advantageous methods for administering call controland management also are provided, including for Voice over InternetProtocol (“VoIP”) type telephone calls.

In accordance with the present invention, an administrator may moreoptimally control calls made by or to the system in accordance with whatherein is referred to as a dialing plan. In particular, the dialing planin accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention willprovide for improved control over routing of outbound calls. Inaccordance with preferred embodiments, the dialing plan will provideVoIP call support; global permission and restrictions via a globalaccess profile; area code tables with support for office code ranges;multifunctional route tables, including destination routing, time of dayrouting; multiple trunk group queuing; trunk overflow; digitTranslation; and unified dialing for off-premise extensions (Off-PremiseExtension Table).

In accordance with such embodiments, every extension for phonesconnected to the system is assigned to an access profile. In preferredembodiments, a plurality of access profiles are provided, such as 5 or10 or 15 or 20, etc., access profiles. Preferably, one or more dataprofiles are provided for data calls, and an UNRESTRICTED profile isprovided for calls to numbers such as 911, 411, etc. The purpose of theaccess profile is to route the number dialed by the extension to theappropriate trunk group and to control or restrict the calling area ofthe extension.

In preferred embodiments, the access profile (or trunk access profile)may be administered through an administration screen, which preferablyis accessed through an Automatic Route Selection (“ARS”) screen. Inpreferred embodiments, access profiles may be edited, created, deletedor copied to other profiles, and extensions are assigned an accessprofile to specify dialing capabilities for the extensions. Instead ofrouting to a specific trunk group based on the initial check of theaccess profile, in accordance with such embodiments systemadministrators will now be about to direct an outgoing call throughvarious filters. Once the filtering has been completed, the call can beeither sent to a single trunk group or sent to a specific routing tablewith a number of possible steps to be executed.

In such preferred embodiments, there are a number of dialing area tablesfor dialing area control. In certain embodiments, three dialing areatables are provided, namely an area code table(s), international countrycode table, and a trunk group access codes table. Such tables areimplemented to give the administrator-type person the ability to controlwhere a user may or may not call. In such embodiments, routing tablesare used to control access to trunk resources. A call which is beingrouted via a specific route table prevents the caller from usingresources not accessed via the access profile. In preferred embodiments,such routing tables contain the same redundant profile field, but thepurpose here is different. In a routing table, a customer uses the trunkaccess profile to control resources. For example, a user may be allowedto dial a distant area as defined in the area code table, but isrestricted to only using the least expensive trunk group in the routingtable. Such use of trunk access profiles may be utilized to desirablycontrol access to and use of various telecommunications resources.

Preferably, a screen is provided for “Local Area Codes”. Such a localarea code table preferably contains: a Home Area Code—7-digit localcalls are routed as if this area code was dialed; and a Local Area CodeList—Area codes that are treated as local calls. Preferably such localarea codes include area codes not requiring 1+dialing and area codesrequiring 1+dialing. Thus, in accordance with the present invention thelocal area codes table may be accessed so that calls may be moreintelligently controlled and managed (e.g., in order to avoid treatingnon-toll local calls as long distance calls, even though the local callsare dialed with 1+10 digit dialing like traditional long distancecalls).

Further aspects of dialing plan tables used in accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention will now be described. Such dialingplan tables are desirably accessed by the system when a call isinitiated with the system. Such dialing plan tables desirably are usedto route (or block) a call to an external destination. Such tablesprovide the system administrator with an improved range of routingchoices without being overly complicated.

FIG. 37 illustrates Automatic Route Selection (“ARS”) window 570 used inpreferred embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, ARSwindow 570 preferably includes display 572, which displays for theadministrator a list of current access profiles in the system. The useof such access profiles is described in greater detail elsewhere herein.ARS window 570 also preferably provides button 574 (selectable with amouse or pointer, etc.) that may be selected to edit global accessprofiles. Button 574 is used to add, modify or edit global accesssettings that preferably are applied to all stations/incoming trunkswhen an outgoing/tandem (ARS) call is made. As illustrated, window 570also may include buttons to edit access profiles, add new accessprofiles, delete access profiles, copy an access profile to anotheraccess profile, restore (i.e., ignore changes), apply changes, complete(done) the access to window 570 or to access on-line help information.

Further aspects of global access profiles will now be described. Globalaccess profiles in accordance with the present invention may beconsidered an enhancement of an emergency trunk access profile. Entriesin the global access profile, in effect, override the dialingextension's configured access profile. In preferred embodiment, theglobal access table contains three tabs (FIGS. 38A-C). The specialdigits table (FIG. 38A), in preferred embodiments, is the first tablechecked for outgoing ARS calls. The special digits table allows theadministrator to route or block a call based on the initial sequence ofdigits. The area code table (FIG. 38B), in preferred embodiments, is thesecond table checked for outgoing ARS calls. The area code table is morespecialized than the special digits table (need more description). Theoff-premise extension table (FIG. 38C) preferably contains routinginformation for extensions located in another PBX/system connected tothe extension (e.g., two such systems connected together, either in thesame office or location or in geographically removed offices orlocations. The extension range in the off-premise extension tablepreferably conforms to the first digit table in the particular system.Such tables will now be further described.

The special digits table (FIG. 38A) preferably includes an InitialDigits field. The Initial Digits field typically is used to determine ifthere is a match between a number (minus any trunk access code) dialedby the user with the listed initial digits. Preferably, the specialdigits table only needs to match the initial digits of the dialed numberto consider the number a match. The Routing Table field is preferablyused to indicate a route table to be used to send the dialed number outon a trunk in the case of a match. If a route table is not specified,other selections include “Blocked”, in which the dialed number is notallowed (preferably the calling person would be supplied with a fastbusy signal or other audible or other indication that the call has beenblocked; as an example, a net message may be sent to a computercorresponding to the user over a packet bus that indicates that the callhas been blocked, perhaps with additional information such asinstructions to contact a system administrator, etc., such as in amanner described previously), or “Intercepted,” in which the call issent to the intercept target. In preferred embodiments, the systeminitially accesses the special digits table, and may thus haveparticular dialed numbers intercepted and retargeted to particularextension or other numbers.

An exemplary area code table is shown in FIG. 38B. The area code tablespreferably are expandable tables for handling North American NumberingPlan (NANP) numbers. An area code table is preferably accessed via anaccess profile screen. Every specific profile preferably has anassociated area code table. The area code field preferably is a listfield. All NANP area codes can be listed here, including an entry forunspecified (default) area codes (i.e., area codes added to the NANP,which were not known when the area code table was created). As for theoffice code range field, if the dialed number needs to have a moregranular examination, then the office code range should be entered inthis field. The routing table field specifies the routing table used tosend the dialed number out on a trunk. If set to blocked, then the areacode is not allowed for the specific profile and the user preferablywill hear fast busy.

The off-premise extension table (FIG. 38C) preferably is used tofacilitate a unified dialing plan among various systems/PBX's within asingle company. The systems/PBX's may be either located in the samebuilding or general geographical location, or they may be located quitesome distance apart. In accordance with the present invention, thesystems are implemented such that a user to dial another user using thesame extension number no matter if the caller is dialing from the samesystem/PBX or a distant or other system/PBX. With such embodiments, eachextension is unique over all of the systems/PBXs within the dialingplan. In accordance with such embodiments, calls may be routed among thesystems/PBXs without the caller having to take into considerationlocation he/she is dialing from and at which location the destinationextension resides. Via an off-premise extension table as illustrated inFIG. 38C, the user may simply enter an extension, and via system accessto the off-premise extension table, the appropriate routing table maythen be accessed to route the call to desired destination in the desiredmanner (e.g., least cost, etc.). As illustrated in FIG. 38C, anextension range is provided. The extension range preferably provides asingle extension or a preferably continuos range of extensions which areoff-premise extensions. The extensions should conform to extensions asdefined in the first digits table discussed elsewhere herein.Preferably, extension Ranges may not overlap. The route table fieldindicates the route table that will be used to send the dialed numberout on a trunk.

As previously described, preferred embodiments utilize an access profileto desirably assist in controlling/managing calls in the system. FIG.39A-C illustrate windows that preferably are used to manage accessprofiles. The preferred access profile screen desirably allows theadministrator to configure permissions/restrictions for users assignedto the particular access profile. The access profile is used for callswhich do not match any of the settings in the global access profile (amatch in the global access profile results in the call being routed,intercepted, blocked, etc., as directed by the global access profiletable). As illustrated in FIGS. 39A-C, the preferred access profilewindow contains three tabs: an area code table (all ARS calls preferablyare checked in this table); a privileges table (such as internationaland carrier access calls, which typically include predetermined initialdigits for specifying a particular carrier, such 1010xxx-type carrieraccess calls); and a trunk group access codes table (which preferably isa permission table for using non-ARS trunk group access codes). Theseaccess profile windows/tables will now be further described.

FIG. 39A illustrates a preferred area code table for access profiles inaccordance with the present invention. The area code tables preferablyare expandable tables for handling North American Numbering Plan (NANP)numbers. An area code table is accessed via the access profile screen byselection of the appropriate tab. Every profile has an associated areacode table. In preferred embodiments, area code tables are not shared byprofiles.

As illustrated in FIG. 39A, an area code field is provided. The areacode field is a list field. All NANP area codes may be listed here, andit may include an entry for unspecified (default) area codes (i.e. areacodes added to the NANP, which were not known when the area code tablewas created.) An office code range also is preferably provided. If thedialed number needs to have a more granular examination than just thearea code, then an office code or code range may be entered in thisfield. A routing table also is provided. The route table fieldpreferably specifies the route table that will be used to send thedialed number out on a trunk. If set to blocked, then the area code isnot allowed for the profile and the user will hear fast busy (or beprovided some other indicia that the call is blocked, such as describedelsewhere herein).

As illustrated in FIG. 39B, a privileges access profile window isprovided in preferred embodiments of the present invention. Each accessprofile preferably allows the administrator to define a group ofprivileges for the users assigned to that particular profile. Theseprivileges include, for example, international calling and use ofcarrier access codes. With respect to international (011) calls, theaccess profile may specify that international calls are blocked, inwhich case international (011) calls are not allowed for this accessprofile. International calls attempted with this access profile mayresult in the user hearing a fast busy or otherwise being provided withan indication that the call is blocked. Alternatively, internationalcalls may be directed to a specified route table (the routing tablefield may conveniently allow a specified route table or blocked to beselected for that access profile, etc.). The CAC destination fieldallows the administrator to take specific action when a caller makes acall containing a carrier access code. This table is checked, forexample, whenever a user dials ‘101’ followed by a 4-digit carrieraccess code, which is not specified in the special digits table. The CACdestination field may, for example, be set to blocked, indicating thatCAC calls are not allowed (the user will hear fast busy or anotherindication that the call is blocked, such as a net message), or be setto ignored, indicating that CAC calls are routed as if the CAC was notdialed, or be set to a route table, indicating that CAC calls are to bedirected to the specified route table. Other methods of specifyinghandling of attempted CAC calls are utilized in alternative embodimentsof the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 39C, the trunk group access codes screen providesthe administrator with the ability to control user access to accesscodes not using Outbound Routing (ARS). Only trunk group access codesnot designated as Outbound Routing are displayed here. In suchembodiments, the system may be provided with, for example, dedicatedtrunks or other resources for completing outbound calls, which are notplaced through Outbound Routing (ARS). User access to such dedicatedtrunks or other resources may desirably be controlled through selectionof permitted or not permitted for each of the dedicated trunks/resourcesand for each access profile.

Also in accordance with such embodiments, one or more route table areprovided in a graphical, intuitive and easy to use manner, such as isillustrated in FIG. 40. Such a route table preferably is used to placeoutgoing calls on the best available trunk (as determined, for example,by the system administrator). In accordance with preferred embodimentsof the present invention, the system preferably goes through the stepsone by one attempting to place the call out on a trunk group. In suchembodiments, each step is capable of manipulating the dialed digits inorder to fit the destination trunk group requirements.

As illustrated in FIG. 40, a name field is provided. The name fieldspecifies the name of the particular routing table, e.g., Local Calls.The step field indicates the step within the routing table in which thecall is executing. Preferred embodiments support a desired number ofsteps, such as up to 10 steps. Also in accordance with preferredembodiments, steps may be reordered to insert new steps and/or to moreeasily make changes in the routing table. A “strip first n digits” fieldis provided to specify the removal of “n” number of beginning digitsfrom the original dialed digits. In preferred embodiments, this does notinclude the trunk access code, and the “strip first n digits” and “keeplast n digits” are mutually exclusive. The “keep last n digits” field isprovided to specify that the last ‘n’ digits of the originally dialednumber be kept and the rest removed. The “prepend digits” field adds thelisted digits to the beginning of the digits to be dialed. The “postpenddigits” field adds the listed digits to the end of the digits to bedialed. The destination field specifies the trunk group that the call issent to for this step. The service code field is an optional field to beused for this call. In preferred embodiments, this filed is onlyapplicable to ISDN calls; for all other trunk group calls, the servicecode is N/A. The Up (Down) buttons are used to move the selected step up(or down) within the route table.

Also in accordance with such embodiments, a first digit table isprovided to facilitate desirable call control and management inaccordance with the present invention. As is known in the art, firstdigit tables are utilized to process and control calls by way ofanalyzing first digits dialed, for example, by a user depressing keys ona telephone. In accordance with such embodiments of the presentinvention, the first digit table is improved in order to more desirablysupport unified dialing plans and an increased number of trunk accesscodes as described herein. In addition, since the extension range of theoff-premise extension table will follow the first digit table andreflect the extension range of the distant system/PBX, the first digittable preferably supports multiple extension lengths; e.g., first digit3 may have an extension length of three, while first digit 4 may have anextension length of five, etc. Also in accordance with such embodiments,first digits preferably do not serve to designate as “off-premise.”

In accordance with such embodiments, a first digit table is providedthat allows more than one prefix to be designated as “external,” and anexternal first digit allows a user to define either a single or twodigit trunk access code. Also in accordance with such embodiments, asecond field allows additional settings to be configured when a firstdigit is designated as “external.”

As illustrated in FIG. 41, the first digit table may include, forexample, a first digit tab, which may include first digit/types forattendant, extension, external, or not configured, etc., as illustrated.The attendant first digit/type preferably directs calls to the operatoror attendant, whether automated or in person. The extension firstdigit/type are configured as extensions, which digits collected inaccordance with the extension dialing rules, and then appropriatelyrouted. An external digit/type designates a trunk access/NANP digit.Other fields applicable for external calls include the access code,which in preferred embodiments may be a one or two digit access code.The routing field, may include a <Trunk Group> (such as T1, voicedigital, voice analog, etc.) designation, where the call will be routedto the specified trunk group. The routing filed may state “notconfigured,” indicating that the access code is not defined (a userdialing this access code preferably will hear fast busy or otherwise beprovided with some indication that the access code is not defined, asdiscussed elsewhere herein). If the trunk field is designated “outboundrouting,” the call will be routed through an ARS process as discussedelsewhere herein. If the trunk field is designated “outbound routing,the collect digits field is automatically set to NANP. The collectdigits field specifies the maximum number of digits to collect after theaccess code has been entered. If this field is set to NANP, then theNorth American Numbering Plan is used to determine the number of digitsto collect. In preferred embodiments, entering a number in this fieldallows the caller to indicate he/she has finished dialing using the ‘#’key or letting interdigit-timing to expire. The dialtone field indicateswhether or not dialtone is sent after the access code is received. Inpreferred embodiments, dialtone will remain until the next digit isreceived; if expected digits is set to the same length as the length ofthe access code, dial tone will not be sent.

FIG. 42 illustrates a local area codes screen that may be accessed witha tab from the first digit table window. The local area codes screenpreferably is used for setting the home area code and dialable localarea codes. In accordance with preferred embodiments, area codes may belisted as “1+Area Code” or “Area Code Only.” An “Area Code Only”designation allows a user to dial the specified area code in a 10-digitnumber without requiring the user to dial “1” first. A “1+Area Code”causes 11-digit calls with the specified area code to be designated aslocal calls. In accordance with such embodiments, an administratorperiodically checks local requirements to determine which format isappropriate for the particular dialing area. Preferably, both formatsare possible within the same system/PBX.

Also in accordance with the present invention, improved caller IDfunctionality is provided. As will be appreciated, the present inventionprovides a system that may desirable interface to a variety of differenttypes of trunks and calling channels, etc. As various trunks and WANservices may support different levels of caller ID information, aproblem arises as to how to implement caller ID intelligently in such anenvironment. In accordance with the present invention, various levels ofcaller ID information may be presented to various trunks, in a mannerconsistent with the particular trunks and user and system administratorpreferences. As will be appreciated based on discussion elsewhereherein, such caller ID information may be specified, administered andcontrolled remotely via a web browser type interface.

In accordance with such embodiments, the caller ID configurationinterface is enhanced to allow better control of the calling party IDwhich is sent to the called party. In accordance with such embodiments,there may be provided up to three areas where caller ID options may beconfigured. These include a general settings window; as illustrated inFIG. 31A, company name and number, direct inward dialing (“DID”) prefixand “general settings” default may be configured here. As illustrated,the general settings for external caller ID preferably is configuredunder the PBX tab. The company name and number may be configured byaccessing a window under the system tab (in accordance with this aspectof the present invention, the particular window for enabling a companyname and number to be added as part of a general settings is notimportant; what is important is that such a company name and number beentered in an appropriate manner for caller ID purposes as describedherein). The prefix digits field may be used to designate digits thatare to be prepended to the extension number to create the externalcaller ID. In accordance with such embodiments, trailing Xs are replacedby the corresponding extension digits; if Xs are not used, then prefixdigits preferably are simply prepended to the extension number. If thecompany name and main number is selected, then the general settingsoption is to send the company name and number. If the station name andprefix digits+extension number is selected, then the general settingsoption is to send the configured user name and a number created usingthe prefix digits and extension number. In accordance with preferredembodiments, if the prefix digits field is blank, selecting station nameand prefix digits+extension number is the same as sending only theextension number. If none is selected, then the general settings optionis to not send external caller ID.

FIG. 43B illustrates an exemplary window that may desirably be used toselect caller ID information options, for inbound or outbound calls forparticular trunk groups in such embodiments. The name field may be usedto designate particular trunks (e.g., voice trunk groups) that aresupported by the system. For each such trunk group, a user may selectwhich caller ID to use on outgoing calls in a convenient mannerconsistent with the level of caller ID support available for theparticular trunk groups. As illustrative options, a user may select theinternal caller ID information, external caller ID information, companyname and company main number or no caller ID information as options. Inaccordance with the ability to set general caller ID settings asdiscussed in connection with FIG. 43A, administrators may desirablycontrol the level of caller ID information provided to particulartrunks, consistent with the desires of the administrator and with thelevel of caller ID information supported by the particular trunks.

FIG. 43C illustrates an exemplary extension configuration window thatmay desirably be used to select caller ID information options forparticular extensions. As illustrated, in accordance with such a window,an extension may be designated in an extension window, which may includea display name for the particular extension (such as for internal callerID, etc.). As part of the configuration options for a selected extensionare, for example, use a default setting as in the general settings, usea number specified for the extension (which may be entered in a fieldfor this purpose, as illustrated), append extensions to a default DIDpattern, use the company's main number (or name and number, etc.), orsend no information (e.g., block caller ID information). Other may beprovided in accordance with the present invention.

Other aspects of caller ID functionality that are included in certainembodiments of the invention include the following. For automatic calldistribution (“ACD”) applications, such as a software application thatruns on the system (such as described elsewhere herein) that processescalls in a manner to distribute/forward the calls based on callerinputs, such as digits selecting particular departments, caller accountnumber or identifying numbers, etc., voice mail or pager applications,such are preferably mapped to connected to system ports (like a systemextension). As system ports, ACD, voice mail, and pagernumbers/applications preferably also have caller IDs associated withthem. In preferred embodiments, for internal calls, the caller ID forsuch system ports preferably is the name and number associated with thegroup in which they belong; for external calls, the caller ID preferablyis the company name and number. In addition, function codes may beentered to, for example, activate or block caller ID for particularcalls (such as by dialing *67). In preferred embodiments, regardless ofsettings, calls to 911 or similar emergency type or special calls (e.g.,operator) are not blocked, regardless of system settings.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention,native multiprotocol Voice over IP (VoIP) gateway functionality isprovided with a system that provides an integrated communicationsplatform, such as described elsewhere herein. In accordance with suchpreferred embodiments, packet switching, circuit switching, IP voice,traditional voice, secure Internet connectivity, and open applicationssupport may be provided in a single integrated solution. Suchembodiments may be desirably utilized to provide, for example, branchoffices and small businesses a desirable platform for a variety ofevolving communications needs, and provides enduring support for theirconverged network plans of the future. An integrated VoIP gateway inaccordance with such embodiments allows branch offices to create“virtual tie line” IP voice connectivity between sites to lower the costof interoffice calling and to conserve bandwidth for other applications.In preferred embodiments, and as described elsewhere herein, a varietyof WAN access types, such as T1, Frame Relay, ISDN Primary LineInterface (PRI), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and analog, aresupported, and thus a preferred virtual tie-line application providesmuch more flexibility than conventional private network tie-lineservices that are limited to point-to-point connections. With itsvirtual tie-line capability, such embodiments may provide branch officesa lower-cost, lower-complexity, and lower-risk solution for integratingVoIP into their communication networks. For example, users of systems inaccordance with such embodiments may take advantage of the cost savingsof IP voice, for virtual tie-line connectivity while keepingcircuit-switched voice for business-critical calls.

As previously described, systems in accordance with the presentinvention may be remotely administered and managed. Thus, remotesoftware upgrades may be provided, for example, to add VoIP capabilityto existing systems without disrupting the day-to-day businessoperations of the users of such systems. Also in accordance with suchembodiments, carriers can implement new voice and data services on acommon infrastructure via remote administration, management and softwareupgrade, without the expense or delay of a physical delivery. Thus, forexample, branch offices may obtain the latest communicationsfunctionality without the complexity of managing multiple networks.

VoIP functionality in accordance with such embodiments preferablyprovide a predetermined number of IP voice channels, for example up toeight or more channels of IP voice. Preferably, such embodiments providedynamic support for both H.323 and Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP)call-control signaling. Unlike systems with an external gateway betweena PBX and a data router, the integrated solution of preferredembodiments of the present invention provide direct conversions betweenattached telephones and IP trunks without requiring a configuration ofseveral devices. To further enhance voice quality, embodiments of thepresent invention also preferably include dynamically adjustable jitterbuffers, packet-loss correction, and noise-level matching. For greaterreliability, traffic can be rerouted over alternative networks if thereis a failure to connect over the primary route.

In accordance with such embodiments, and as discussed more fullyelsewhere herein, a more consistent user experience is provided with asingle, integrated dialing plan for both circuit- and packet-switchedvoice calls. For example, employees at a branch office may contactco-workers at any other location by simply dialing their extension. Theuniform dialing plan simplifies a company's migration to VoIP, sinceadministrators can easily configure calls over any type of connection.With uniform dialing, such embodiments may utilize VoIP calling, whenavailable, in a manner that is transparent to end users. Thus, inaccordance with such embodiments, in a headquarters-branch office(s)arrangement, separate access trunks for voice and data do not need to bedeployed at each site. Low-cost VoIP calling between, for example, aheadquarters site and a branch office, and employees may use the samephones and dialing plans they are accustomed to, and the systemautomatically converts interoffice calls to VoIP calls if available, andif not can route the calls in a manner transparent to end users throughalternative routing. Such systems may support simultaneous interfaces toboth packet- and circuit-switched networks for voice calling, andleast-cost routing may be automatically enabled for both IP andtraditional voice trunks. In accordance with the present invention,using a packet-optimized WAN for telephony transport may significantlyreduce costs by sharing expensive WAN bandwidth with data transmissions.Also in accordance with such embodiments, low-bandwidth coder-decoders(CODECs) and silence suppressors can be used to yield, for example, an8:1 bandwidth savings over standard circuit-switched voice calls.

As discussed elsewhere herein, such embodiments may advantageouslyprovide a common management and configuration interface formultiprotocol routing, packet- and circuit-switched voice, andvoice/data applications and services. By consolidating the network intoone infrastructure, administrators also can streamline managementresources, reduce costs, and quickly deploy new functionality. Theremote administration and management capabilities discussed elsewhereherein enable network managers and carriers to tune voice and datacapabilities to specific customer needs, while enabling Web-baseddiagnostic tools for real-time system monitoring and troubleshooting.Additional aspects of VoIP telephony aspects of such preferredembodiments will be described hereinafter.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, VoIP telephonygenerally presents a number of concerns regarding how to desirablyemploy voice capability over data networks, both from cost effectivenessconsiderations and quality of service (QoS) considerations, while alsohaving the a system that can be efficiently and readily configured andmanaged.

VoIP communications attempts to provide reasonable voice communicationsover data/packet networks by allowing voice and signaling information tobe transported over the data/packet network. An IP network typically isused to transport the calls, which generally may be over an intranet orover the Internet. In accordance with the present invention, users maymake calls from a PC to another PC, from a PC to a phone or from a phoneto a phone, while also providing a system that adapts traditionaltelephony to the Internet.

In accordance with the present invention, standard (or other)communication protocols to deploy IP telephony. One such standardcommunication protocol that is used in preferred embodiments is theH.323 standard from the International Telecommunications Union, whichserves as an overall set of standards defining real-time multimediacommunications for packet-based networks. Such H.323 standards definehow audiovisual conferencing data is transmitted across such networks,and provides a foundation for audio, video and data communicationsacross IP networks, including the Internet. H.323-compliant multimediaproducts and applications can interoperate, allowing users tocommunicate without concern for compatibility. Also in accordance withthe present invention, multiple such standard communication protocolsare supporting, including, for example, the Media Gateway ControlProtocol (MGCP) standard. The presently available standards-relateddocuments for H.323 (including version 2) and MGCP are herebyincorporated by reference.

Other standards-based VoIP components used in accordance with preferredembodiments also include the “G. standards,” or the G.711, G.723 andG.729 (including, but not limited to, G.723.1 and G.729.a) standards,which specify analog-to-digital, coder/decoder and compressionalgorithms (herein “codecs”). Desirably, a protocol also is utilizedthat manages end-to-end connections between devices coupled over theInternet or similar network; in preferred embodiments, the RealtimeTransport Protocol (RTP) desirably is so utilized to manage end-to-endconnections to minimize the effect of packets lost or delayed intransit. In addition, a protocol desirably is utilized that specifiesthe routing of packets on the network, which in the preferredembodiments is the Internet Protocol (IP). As will be appreciated, inaccordance herewith the G. standard codecs specify analog-to-digitalconversion, the H.323 and/or MGCP standards (both standards arepreferably supported in the present invention) specify call setup andinteroperability between devices and applications, the RTP protocolmanages end-to-end connections, and the IP protocol is responsible forrouting packets over the network.

The H.323 standard, in general, specifies four types of components thatmay be networked together to provide point-to-point andpoint-to-multipoint multimedia-communications services—terminals,gateways, gatekeepers and multipoint control units. H.323 terminalsgenerally are used for real-time bi-directional multimediacommunications. An H.323 terminal can either be a PC or a standalonedevice (which could be conference or other telephone or videoconferencing unit, such as described elsewhere herein), which is runningan H.323 application and the multimedia/communication application(s). Inaccordance with preferred embodiments, the H.323 terminal provides audiocommunications while optionally supporting video or data communications.An H.323 gateway provides connectivity between an H.323 network and anon-H.323 network. For example, such a gateway can connect and providecommunication between an H.323 terminal and the PSTN. This connectivityof dissimilar networks is achieved by translating protocols for callsetup and release, converting media formats between different networks,and transferring information between the networks connected by thegateway. While a gateway is not required, however, for communicationbetween two terminals on an H.323 network, systems in accordance withpreferred embodiments provide software/hardware resources to enable thesystem to serve as an H.323 gateway. A gatekeeper can be considered thebrain or intelligence of an H.323 network. Although not required,gatekeepers provide desirable services such as addressing, authorizationand authentication of terminals and gateways, bandwidth management,accounting, billing, charging and call routing-type services. Preferredembodiments of the present invention desirably work with an externalH.323 gatekeeper, or in alternative embodiments also integrate/providesoftware/hardware resources to enable the system to serve as an H.323gatekeeper. Multipoint control units (MCUs) provide support forconferences of three or more H.323 terminals. All terminalsparticipating in the conference preferably establish a connection withthe MCU, and the MCU manages conference resources, negotiates betweenterminals for the purpose of determining the audio or video CODEC thatwill be used, and may handle the media stream. While gatekeepers,gateways and MCUs typically are considered logically separate componentsof the H.323 standard, in preferred embodiments various of thesecomponents are integrated or tightly coupled to a preferred system as asingle physical device.

The MGCP standard, in general, is an control and signal-type standardthat may be used as an alternative to the H.323 standard for theconversion of audio signals carried on the PSTN to data packets carriedover the Internet or other packet networks. As regular telephony devicesare desirably low cost, the were designed not to be complex; they arefixed to a specific switch at a central switching location. IP phonesand devices, however, are not fixed to a specific switch, so they mustcontain processors that enable them to function and be intelligent ontheir own, independent from a central switching location. This tends tomake the terminal (phone or device) more complex, and therefore moreexpensive. The MGCP standard, generally, may provide a simpler standardby eliminating the need for complex, processor-intensive IP telephonydevices, thus simplifying and lowering the cost of these terminals.

As previously described elsewhere herein, systems in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention include a central ordistributed pool of DSP resources, preferably providing a plurality ofDSPs, which are desirably utilized herein to adapt traditional voicetelephony to the Internet. DSP resources herein preferably may beutilized to provide voice compression, tone detection and generation,echo cancellation, and silence suppression, and optionally may providevoicemail prompts and music on hold queues and the like. In alternativeembodiments, DSP resources may also (or alternatively) be provided onadditional cards/circuits (over what has been previously described), andalso may be included internal to particular terminals, as will beappreciated.

Using such DSP resources (and other hardware/software resources), ananalog voice signal is received or generated by the system (such as by aperson speaking into a telephone, which creates an analog voice signalas they speak). The analog voice preferably is converted to a Pulse CodeModulation (PCM) digital stream. (As is known in the art, PCM is asampling technique for digitizing analog signals, especially audiosignals. PCM samples the signal 8000 times a second, and each sample isrepresented by 8 bits for a total of 64 Kbps. There are two standardsfor coding the sample level; the Mu-Law standard generally is used inNorth America and Japan, while the A-Law standard is used in most othercountries.) Preferably, hardware/software of the system analyzes the PCMstream, and preferably echo is removed, voice activity detection (VAD)is performed; and tone detection is performed; remaining PCM samples areprovided to the codec for processing. The voice codec (which may largelybe implemented in software running on a processor) generally is used aspart of the process of converting the originally analog signal todigital data packets suitable for transmission over a data network. Inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention,different software codecs may be used in the process to convert analogsignals to digital data in frames (also providing various levels of datacompression; e.g., a G.729a frame may be 10 ms long and contain 10 bytesof speech), and then convert digital data back to analog signals. Thegoal when selecting a codec is to maintain high voice quality and lowlatency. Generally speaking, lower bit rate codecs offer highercomplexity and, therefore, introduce higher latency. As a result,tradeoffs are made between the goals of low bit rate, high quality, lowcomplexity and low latency. The actual choice will depend on theparticular application and quality and bandwidth concerns. The variouscodec standards (i.e., the G. standards discussed earlier, publiclyavailable standards data for which is hereby incorporated by reference,as with the other standards-related information for standards referencedherein), generally may be evaluated and selected on the basis ofcriteria such as bit rate, quality, complexity, bandwidth usage or framesize and latency. In preferred embodiments, a G.723.1 codec often isutilized. Packet assembler software preferably running on one of the DSP(within the provided DSP resources) receives frames from the codec andcreates packets. Several frames may be combined in a single packet. Inpreferred embodiments, a 12 byte RTP header is added to each packet,which provides a sequence number and time stamp, and the packetthereafter is forwarded, preferably to a host or other processor forfurther processing.

Addressing in VoIP is provided in a manner to determine from the dialeddigits, preferably identified in the DSP, the destination IP address(e.g., 301-236-1895→193.148.100.2). Such as from a lookup table undercontrol of a processor (as part of the software/hardware resources ofthe system), a preferably 20 byte IP header is added to the packet,which contains (1) the IP address of the source system/gateway, and (2)the IP address of the destination system/gateway. An 8 byte UDP headercontaining source and destination sockets also is added. Systems (suchas described herein or otherwise) on the network may then examine the IPaddress to identify the route to the destination. It should be notedthat several systems as described in the preferred embodiments hereinmay be in the path that the packets take to their destination.

Among the problems encountered in VoIP communications are delay andecho. Delay causes problems such as echo and talker overlap. Thisproblem is illustrated in FIG. 44. Echo typically is caused by signalreflections of the speaker's voice at the far end telephone equipmentback into the speaker's ear. This echo is caused by a device called ahybrid, which typically is a 4 wire to 2 wire converter. The telephonehandset has 2 wires going to the ear piece and 2 wires going to themouth piece, and inside the telephone those 4 wires need to be convertedto only 2 wires, which is what the telephone network typically uses(i.e., tip and ring). Echo generally becomes a significant problem whenthe round trip delay becomes greater than 50 milliseconds. Since echo isperceived as a significant quality problem, voice over data systemsdesirably will address the need for echo control and implement echocancellation. Talker overlap, or the problem of one talker “stepping” onthe other talker's speech, becomes significant if the one-way delaybecomes greater than 250 ms. The end-to-end delay budget is therefore asignificant consideration, and delay must be reduced through a packetnetwork, which the present invention attempts to achieve.

As a user speaks, generally voice packets are generated at a constantrate; in essence, there is no gap between packets. The packets, however,are delivered to their destination over one or more networks that tendto cause unpredictable amounts of delay between received packets. Thisinter-packet timing variation is known as jitter, and is caused by thenetwork(s) that the packets traverse. If quality speech is to bereproduced at the receiving end, these gaps or jitter must be removed bythe receiving system/gateway in order to more accurately reproduce theoriginal speech. Removing jitter is performed by collecting packets inwhat is referred to as a jitter buffer (basically, a memory/softwareimplemented buffer, typically coupled to the processing DSP resources,which attempts to hold the packets long enough to allow the slowestpackets to arrive in time to be played in the correct sequence. Thiscauses additional delay. Desirably, the system and network work tominimize the size and delay of the jitter buffer while preventing bufferunderflow caused by jitter.

FIG. 45 schematically illustrates jitter buffer 600, which receivespackets from the network at an unpredictable rate/sequence. Jitterbuffer 600 in essence is a buffer or bucket in which received packetsare temporarily stored, which can then be read out in at a desiredconstant rate/sequence in order to reproduce as accurately as possiblethe original speech. Jitter buffer 600 could be sized as large aspossible for the expected ranger of operating conditions of the variouscodec/codec parameters and packet networks that packets could traverse.A large jitter buffer, unfortunately, carries a significant penalty interms of latency/delay. Sizing of the jitter buffer, accordingly, cansignificantly impact the quality of the VoIP communications.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, as a VoIP call is being set,codec parameters (e.g., type of codec, packet time for transmission (Tx)and receipt (Rx), silence suppression, etc., such as described elsewhereherein) are negotiated between the two systems/gateways. Based on thenegotiated codec parameters, which occur on a call-by-call basis, thesize of jitter buffer 600 is established. In preferred embodiments, thejitter buffer is sized based on the negotiated Rx packet time (ingeneral, the Tx packet time and the Rx packet time may be different),and in preferred embodiments is set as a multiple of negotiated Rxpacket time (such as 3 times the packet time); in other embodiments, arange is set as a multiple of the negotiated Rx packet time (such as aminimum of 2 times the packet time and a maximum of four times thepacket time, etc.). The multiple of the negotiated Rx packet time (ormultiples for ranges, etc.) may be set, such as by a remoteconfiguration applet/interface such as previously described.

As an example, if a particular system/gateway negotiates a Rx packettime of 10 mSec with a remote system/gateway, in preferred embodimentsthe jitter buffer is automatically set to be in effect 30 mSec. Thus,without requiring an administrator to optimally set the jitter buffersize on a call-by-call basis, and without setting the jitter buffer size(or range) to be undesirably large to accommodate the largest possibledesired size, in preferred embodiments the jitter buffer size/range isset automatically upon negotiation of the codec parameters, etc. Thus,codecs may be changed (such as automatically and on a preferablycall-by-call or destination by destination basis), and a more optimaljitter buffer is automatically determined. More generally, as a VoIPcall is set up (again, preferably on a call-by-call basis), whichincludes multiple protocols such as H.323 or MGCP, the particular codecsand codec parameters (which may be set by preferences on a destinationby destination basis), a more optimal jitter buffer setting isautomatically determined without further administrator intervention.Thus, protocol and code preferences may be determined such as byparticular location/destination, and as calls are initiated by ordinaryusers, VoIP parameters are automatically retrieved (such as prioritizedcodec settings) and determined (such an automatically sized jitterbuffer).

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, speech encoderalgorithms may more optimally implement rules concerning packet deliveryand disposition management (i.e., jitter buffer management). Thedecoding algorithm must decompress and sequence data and make“smoothing” decisions (e.g., when to discard packets versus waiting foran out-of-sequence packet to arrive). The first jitter buffer size mayoften be a larger amount, such as 250 mSec (i.e., large enough to be apiece of a word or a short word). Thereafter, the jitter buffer may besized more optimally (as described above), and still thereafter may bealso may be implemented to be adaptive (i.e., adjust its size consistentwith the parameter settings established for the jitter buffer, such asthe range described above). Such a jitter buffer may more optimally beimplemented by the DSP to smooth the playback of packets arriving from ajittery network.

In addition, as congestion in the network may cause some packets to bedropped, left untreated the listener hears undesirable pops and clicks,etc. This is because IP networks do not guarantee service, lost packetscan frequently occur. Under peak loads and congestion in the network,voice frames may be dropped equally with data frames (data frames,however, are not time sensitive and dropped packets may be correctedthrough the process of retransmission, etc.). In accordance with thepresent invention, to compensate for lost packets the system preferablyreplays the last packet received during the interval when the lostpacket was supposed to be played out, which in a relatively simplemanner fills the time between non-contiguous speech frames. Desirably,the DSP in preferred embodiments plays the last successfully receivedpacket at a decreased volume (e.g., around a 3 dB reduction, or ½volume) in order to fill the gap. For multiple lost packets, thepreviously received packet may be replayed over and over at a moredecreased volume to silence, which has been determined to be much moredesirable than a sudden drop. Out of order packets also may result,given that the packets may take diverse routes through a network and mayarrive out of order. In accordance with the present invention, out oforder packets are not played in the order that they are received; if anout of order packet condition is detected, the missing packet isreplaced, preferably, but its predecessor as if it is lost. When thelate packet finally arrives, it generally is discarded. With suchreplacement algorithms for lost/out of sequence packets, and withautomatic sizing of the jitter buffer, more optimum VoIP communicationsmay be produced.

Also in accordance with the present invention, various IP telephonysettings may be configured with a graphical user interface, which may beconducted remotely with any computer coupled to the system (as describedearlier herein). In accordance with such a configuration graphicalinterface, an administrator may configure the dialing plan (e.g., trunkgroups, routing tables for particular users/callers, destinations,etc.), and configure the IP network resources. The system may then beconfigured for VoIP or other IP telephony such as described herein.

In accordance with a first configuration step, resources within thesystem, such as DSP resources, may be allocated to IP telephony orordinary telephony (often referred to as TAPI ports); thus, DSPresources may be allocated more optimally for the particular operatingenvironment and conditions. For example, if there are 5 (or othernumber) of DSPs available in the DSP resources of the system, undersoftware control the administrator may allocate the DSP resources to IPtelephony ports or to traditional phone ports. For example, anadministrator may allocate resources such that there are 0 IP telephonyports and 34 TAPI ports, or 4 IP telephony ports and 22 TAPI ports, or 8IP telephony ports and 10 TAPI ports. What is important is that the DSPresources may be reconfigured (graphically and remotely) to supportvarious levels of IP and TAPI telephony ports.

Also, preferably an administrator may enable the system for H.323 and/orMGCP IP telephony (also preferably graphically and remotely). Also,preferably an administrator enables the system to use preferred codecs(such as G.711 Mu-Law and A-Law, G.729a, G.723.1, applicable parameterssuch as packet time, jitter buffer size or range (if adaptive), whichalso may selected to be set based on determined a negotiated Rx packettime, tone detection and generation codec settings, echo cancellationsettings, silence suppression settings, etc.), which preferably are setforth in a prioritized list. Also preferably, a setting is providing forallocating resources to affect the IP WAN QoS; for example, anadministrator may enable a setting that controls n voice packets be sentfor every m data packets (n and m may be the same or different numbers),or may enable a setting that controls that all voice packets be sendbefore any data packets, or may enable a setting that there is nopriority queuing for packet transmission. In addition to otherconfiguration settings as described herein, more optimal IP telephonycommunications may be achieved.

In addition, as the present invention preferably provides multiple pathsfor establishing a voice communication (see, the various discussionherein regarding configuring lines, trunks, routing tables, etc.), VoIPtelephony settings also may be desirably set by an administrator (againpreferably graphically and remotely). For example, an inbound routingtable may be configured, much in the same manner as with voice calls. Anadministrator may set parameters to specify from where IP voice callswill be originating (IP source settings), or to specify the destinationsthat the system may call using IP telephony.

Further aspects of IP telephony call configuration in accordance withthe present invention will now be described. IP telephony configurationpreferably is compatible with dialing, routing, etc., as withouttraditional telephony, although IP telephony has characteristics thatare unique to VoIP calls. Prior discussion elsewhere herein regardingtraditional Voice Trunk Groups and outbound routing through routingtable steps, etc. is relevant to this discussion.

Embedded in a traditional outbound Voice Trunk Group is the physicaldestination. The physical trunks that are associated with the TrunkGroup define this destination. Also, routing information for the callsthat travel through the trunks that are associated with a Trunk Group iseither included in the Trunk Group (for inbound) or point to the TrunkGroup (outbound). Since the physical destination is embedded in theoutbound Trunk Group, an association is defined between destination androuting information through the Trunk Group. Routing based on thedestination is made possible by this association. A similar conceptapplies for inbound Voice Trunk Groups. The physical trunks that areassociated with the Trunk Group define the call source, and Trunk Groupsettings include the routing information. The Trunk Group itself,creates the association between the source and the routing information.

Traditional Trunk Groups cannot be used for IP telephony call routingconfiguration since for IP Telephony calls, source and destination canbe anywhere on the IP network (internet or intranet). In other words,the physical trunks that carry the voice data do not define the sourceand destination of the call. Voice data is traveling over a data networkinside TCP or UDP packets and the addressing for source and destinationis inside the packets and is not based on the trunks that data istraveling on.

One way to deal with this problem is to have one set of routing settingsfor all IP Telephony calls no matter where the call is going or comingfrom. This option is very limiting and undesirable. The other option isto define a way to specify source and destination information for IPtelephony calls. After defining source and destination, routingparameters may be associated with those defined sources anddestinations. In other words, logical addressing of IP telephony callswill define the source and destination of the call and not the physicaltrunk that carries the voice data. This logical addressing is obviouslythe IP address or anything that resolve into the IP address of thesource or destination of the IP telephony call.

An IP Call Destination contains the IP address or a range of IPaddresses of the end point's IP telephony gateway. It also contains allthe IP telephony call specific settings that the IP telephony managersoftware needs to use in order to make a successful call to thatdestination gateway, for example, codec preference order. Thisdestination can be used instead of an outbound Voice Trunk Groupanywhere a Trunk Group is used in the outbound routing algorithmsettings. Specifically, in First Digit Table an IP Call Destination canbe selected instead of a Trunk Group for the call to be routed to. AlsoIP Call Destination can be selected instead of an outbound Voice TrunkGroup in outbound routing table steps.

An IP Telephony Source contains the IP address or a range of IPaddresses of the source gateway (where the call is coming from). It alsocontains the settings that inbound routing algorithm needs to know tosuccessfully route the call. These settings are similar to informationthat is stored in an inbound Voice Trunk Group for a traditional call.To make it easier for the administrator of the system to reuse thesesettings, the IP telephony Source configuration section preferably isdivided into IP Source settings and Source IP Address sections. This waythe administrator can have reusable set of settings that can beassociated with several source IP addresses. Preferably, in accordancewith the present invention this is similar to what Trunk Groups do fortrunks. One of the main parameters in these settings is the InboundRouting Table which is exactly the same as defined for traditionaltelephony.

A high level explanation of one embodiment of outbound call routing isas follows (reference is made to FIG. 46A). Based on the number dialedand the particular caller (routing may be caller specific, etc.), thesystem may end up either with a Routing Table step or a direct trunkaccess through First Digit Table that will decide how the call should berouted. In case of the Routing Table step, if the IP Call Destination isset as its destination (instead of a Trunk Group), the routing algorithmpasses information for a telephony Trunk Group along with the IP CallDestination index to the connection manager software. The informationfor the IP Telephony Trunk Group contains all the internal DSP trunks(stream channels) that are available to IP Telephony. These streamchannels are allocated through the DSP resource manager which allocatesDSP resources for use by Voice Mail, TAPI and IP Telephony, theconfiguration of which was described earlier.

The connection manager in turn may send a Call Setup Request to the IPtelephony manager with the number to dial and the IP Call Destinationindex. The IP telephony manager may use the IP Call Destination index toget all the destination settings from the database (or more accuratelythe cached database data) and initiates the call. In case of the directtrunk access through First Digit Table routing algorithm, a similarprocess may be followed using the IP Call Destination stored in FirstDigit Table.

Inbound call routing for IP Telephony calls preferably uses the IPaddress of the source gateway to determine which IP Source Settings touse. This is very similar to a traditional call in which case the trunkthat the call is coming from determines which inbound Voice Trunk Groupto be used for inbound call routing. After this step everything is thesame for IP Telephony inbound call routing and the traditional inboundcall routing.

Outbound IP telephony call configuration includes all the parametersthat need to be set to have an outbound call routed through IPtelephony. Outbound Routing Table, First Digit Table and Carrier Accessare the three paths that a traditional outbound call can go through toget to a trunk. For IP Telephony outbound calls, only the first twopaths, i.e. Outbound Routing Table and First Digit Table paths,preferably are used. Accordingly, if the administrator wants to directthat a call go over IP telephony using either of the mentioned paths,the administrator should select an IP Call Destination instead of anoutbound Voice Trunk Group in FDT or in outbound Routing Table step.Thus, the first step in configuring an outbound call to go over IPTelephony path is to define an IP Call Destination and the second stepand final step is to select the destination in either First Digit Tableor Outbound Routing Table step.

A database table preferably is provided for the IP Call Destination.Each record in this table preferably defines a destination. Each IP CallDestination preferably has an ordered list of codec preferences, andpreferably includes fields such as destination ID and/name, destinationIP address, caller ID format, protocol (e.g., H.323 or MGCP), jitterbuffer size parameters (see also the discussion elsewhere hereinregarding jitter buffer sizing), send/receive volume settings, echocancellation settings (e.g., filter size), silence suppression settings,voice activity detection settings (e.g., threshold) and the like.

As it was mentioned before, there are two main paths that are preferablyused to configure an outbound call to go over IP telephony. These twopaths are: through an outbound routing table step or through First DigitTable. The preferably graphical interface for outbound Routing Tableconfiguration preferably will merge the list of available IPdestinations with the list of outbound Trunk Groups and present thecombination to an administrator when they are selecting the destinationfor a routing table step. IP destinations, if chosen, will be used bythe routing algorithm to route the call over the IP telephony. This isan important aspect of the present invention. The routing table maytreat the VoIP telephony route as a step in the routing table. Thus, andas previously described, an assessment may be made of whether suitableconditions exist for a VoIP type call to be made, which may be made byattempting to establish a VoIP connection via a first step in a routingtable. If the VoIP fails to complete, the system may automatically go toa next step in the routing table, which could be another VoIP step butmore typically would be a type of traditional telephony TrunkGroup/destination. Thus, in a desirable and automated manner, a VoIPcall may be attempted, with a first step in the routing table, and witha traditional telephony call attempted (i.e., go the next step in therouting table) in the event of failure of the VoIP call, etc. This isillustrated in FIG. 46C, which shows a partial routing table with aninitial IP telephony step, followed by voice digital and voice analogTrunk Group steps, etc. The First Digit Table user interface preferablywill merge the list of available outbound Trunk Groups with the list ofavailable IP destinations and present it to user as the list ofdestinations. IP destinations, if chosen, will be used by the routingalgorithm to route the call over the IP telephony.

IP telephony inbound calls will be tagged by the IP address of thesource of the call. Other than this, they preferably have all thecharacteristics of a non-IP call. Inbound routing algorithm determinesif the call is an IP call based on the IP tag in which case it tries tomatch the source IP with one of the IP address patterns stored in aSource IP Address table. Based on this match it can determine the IPSource Settings record associated with this IP address. From this pointon, an IP Source Settings record can be used like an inbound Trunk Groupand inbound routing algorithm continues to route the call same way as anon-IP call. There are two tables preferably associated with inbound IPTelephony call configuration. Source IP Address table and IP SourceSettings table. The Source IP Address Table preferably stores all thesettings associated with a source IP address. The IP Source SettingsTable preferably stores all of the information that inbound routingalgorithm needs to know in order to be able to route the call correctly.

Based on the foregoing it will be understand that, in accordance withpreferred embodiments, the system has the ability to take the next stepin the call routing table if a VoIP call fails to complete. Codecsettings, such as the codec, packet time and silence suppression may bedefined on a per-destination basis, and the nominal and/or maximum sizesof the jitter buffer may be configured in terms of number of packets(i.e., a multiple of the negotiated Rx packet time) instead of specifictimes, all of which may be provided with a highly integrated system thatalso provides traditional telephony and data communicationscapabilities.

As previously discussed, embodiments of the present invention mayimplement, or work with, an H.323 gateway or gatekeeper, or may workwith an external gateway (such as MGCP). FIGS. 47A and B illustrateadditional VoIP scenarios that may be desirably provided in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 47A illustrates two communication systems 50 in geographicallyremote locations, such as in San Francisco and New York. In a firstscenario (indicted by the solid line), a call may be made from anextension of the San Francisco communication system 50 to an extensionof the New York communication system 50. Note that the numbers dialedmay be a simple extension as is to a local extension. Based on the callrouting and IP telephony parameter selections as described earlier, anIP telephony call may be established with the New York extension, whichmay be completed with the user simply dialing a simple (e.g., fourdigit) extension number. In a second scenario (indicated by the dottedline), a call may be made from an extension of the San Franciscocommunication system 50 to and an external telephone reached via a PSTNthrough the New York communication system 50. As illustrated, the usermay dial a number for a phone in New York, and the San Franciscocommunication system 50 routes the call as an IP telephony call to theNew York communication system 50, which then completes the call over thePSTN. This call may offer cost advantages in that it avoids the longdistance toll charges in going from San Francisco to New York. In athird scenario (indicated by the dashed line), a call is made from anexternal telephone coupled to the San Francisco communication system 50via the PSTN to an extension of the New York communication system 50.Note that the user of the external extension dials a local number forthe San Francisco communication system 50, which may then route the callas an IP telephony call to the New York communication system 50.

While the foregoing scenarios are exemplary, it is understood that theymay be implemented using aspects of the preferred embodiments such asrouting table selection, codec and codec parameter selection, jitterbuffer sizing and the like (as described earlier herein) in order toprovide more optimal and cost effective IP telephony solutions. It alsoshould be noted that FIG. 47A shows an MGCP gateway controller coupledto the IP network, this is exemplary and is not required to implementsuch VoIP calling scenarios in accordance with the present invention.The MGCP gateway is not required, and other protocols such as H.323could be utilized in an analogous manner.

Referring now to FIG. 47B, an additional scenario in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described. Inthis exemplary scenario, an H.323 gatekeeper is coupled to the IPnetwork. As an initial step of the scenario, a user enters an extensionon a telephone coupled to the San Francisco communication system 50,which knows that the destination for this extension is an extension ofthe New York communication system 50. Based on the routing tableinformation, etc., the San Francisco communication system 50 may thenrequest a telephone number to IP address resolution from the H.323gatekeeper coupled to the IP network. The call may then be routed by theSan Francisco communication system 50 to the New York communicationsystem 50 based on the IP address received from the H.323 gatekeeper. Insuch a scenario, various desirable aspects of preferred embodiments suchas routing table selection, codec and codec parameter selection, jitterbuffer sizing and the like (as described earlier herein) may be utilizedin order to provide more optimal and cost effective IP telephonysolutions.

Referring now to FIGS. 48A-48E, a preferred embodiment in which an VoIPcall may switch over to a traditional telephony/PSTN call will now bedescribed.

As described elsewhere herein, VoIP communications may be more desirablyimplemented in accordance with the present invention. Nonetheless, as IPtelephony calls are still subject to performance unpredictability (suchas due to packet network congestion or failure or the like), inpreferred embodiments an IP telephony call may be switched, for example,to a PSTN call if undesirable packet network conditions are detected orthe like. While this embodiment will be described in reference to aswitch over from a VoIP call to a PSTN call, it is understood that themethod could be implemented in reverse, with a PSTN call switching overto a VoIP call (such as if the system determined that detected packetnetwork conditions are at the time indicating that desirable VoIPcommunications may occur over the packet network).

Referring to FIG. 48A, an exemplary embodiment of VoIP/PSTN switch overwill now be described. In this embodiment, two communication systems 50Aand 50B are provided in two locations, for purposes of this discussionlocal system 50A and remote system 50B, and IP telephony and PST aresupporting between the two offices. It also assumes that, for example,interactive voice response (IVR) ports are available on both systems,and TDM switching is available on both sides (see, e.g., theswitch/multiplexer described elsewhere herein).

In general, an IVR port (or similar port, which can, preferably, answer,listen and generate DTMF tones/commands) is used to support aseamless-type switchover. The IVR port is used to match up the PSTN callwith the original IP call. Without such a mechanism, it would bepossible to allow one party to hear a call-waiting tone and switch overonly to discover that he is talking to the same party. Such anunreliable call waiting technique is complicated by the fact that theparty hearing the call-waiting may not accept what appears to be asecond call, causing the PSTN call to end up connecting to voice mail,etc. An alternate technique that is used in alternate embodimentsutilizes caller IDs associated with each site (both sites know thecaller ID of each site) and the PSTN trunk supports caller ID, thensimilar functionality is possible without the use of IVR ports; however,the switchover would tend to be audibly more noticeable, and inpreferred embodiments an IVR port switchover technique is preferablyutilized (caller ID functionality also could be utilized with ports suchan IVR port, and in one alternate embodiment a VoIP caller registry thatcorrelates established VoIP calls with caller ID/extension information,etc. is utilized to match up the PSTN call with the VoIP call).

As illustrated in FIG. 48A, an IP call is established via phone 12A, TDMswitch 611A, DSP 612A, IP trunk/network 614A, DSP 612B, TDM switch 611Band phone 12B (other components of such communication systems are notshown for purposes of clarity), which may be established as describedelsewhere herein. Lets assume that local system 50A detects networkproblems first (such network problems could be DSP-related or othersoftware that detects jitter buffer problems, lost packets, network loador congestion, MGCP quality alerts, etc.). Logic causes a PSTN call tobe placed from IVR port 610A at local system 50A (via switch 611A andtransmit/receive line interface circuitry 613A) to IVR port 610B atlocal system 50B (via switch 611B and transmit/receive line interfacecircuitry 613B) via PSTN line 614B, as illustrated in FIG. 48B. Inpreferred embodiments, one or more IVR ports could be dedicated for sucha switchover purpose. The 16 DTMF tones (which may be, for example, ahex encoded RTP port set up at the time the VoIP call is established andstored or registered for later reference) may be used to identify the IPcall to be switched over (if caller ID or other information is notutilized, etc.). Immediately after sending the call identifier, localsystem 50A begins transmitting voice on the PSTN trunk as illustrated inFIG. 48C. After receiving the call identifier, remote system 50B sends aDTMF acknowledge back to IVR port 610A on local system 50A and switchesover as illustrated in FIG. 48D. Upon receipt of the acknowledge, localsystem 50A completes the switchover and terminates the IP call, asillustrated in FIG. 48E. As remote system 50B may have alreadyterminated reception of RTP and is in an unusual switch configuration,while call termination initiates as per a normal IP disconnect, thesystems desirably save the call/call switch overall context in order tocomplete termination of the IP call and return the switches to a normalstate.

In alternate embodiments, a mechanism is provided to prevent undesirableaffects that could result if both sites attempt to switch over at thesame time. In one such embodiment, assuming that both locations areequally capable of detecting network problems, the switchover is alwaysinitiated by the side with the “smaller” IP address. In otherembodiments, as the IP call is set up, it is determined in advance whichsystem shall be responsible for detecting IP network problems andinitiating the switch over.

As will be appreciated, systems of substantial performance andcomplexity may be provided in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. As such, it is desirable to be able to offer systems ofvarying degrees of performance, while maintaining the ability toremotely configure, manage and upgrade such systems. Preferably, a meansis provided to charge for and selectively enable functionality based onthe model number of the hardware that has been purchased. One way wouldbe to put the model number on the included disk drive, but it would berelatively easy for a user to change the model number of the system.Yet, as many upgrades of the system may be made purely by softwareupgrade, the model number should be difficult to detect or change, yetchangeable as part of a software upgrade (i.e., a software upgrade couldupgrade the model number, etc.).

As is known in the art, many PC motherboards (one or more of which ispreferably included in communication system 50) often have what is knownas a real-time clock (RTC) chip. Such a RTC typically includesnon-volatile memory (which may be battery-backed up RAM or the like),which typically used for BIOS configuration or the like. In preferredembodiments, however, extra or spare locations of the RTC non-volatilememory are used to store in coded or unencoded form a model number orkey of the particular system. This is illustrated in FIG. 49A, whichdiagrammatically illustrates a memory map of a portion of memory in anRTC chip on a motherboard that preferably is included in communicationsystem 50. Special software, such as a key reading/modifying routinethat runs upon bootup (which preferably does not have command lineinput, for purposes of avoiding having a user modify the stored key) mayread the model key, and, such as in the case of a model upgrade, modifythe keep from a first model number to a second model number. While onlyfor purposes of illustration, the spare locations of the RTC memorycould be used, for example, to include a header (which if correctlyprogrammed would be of known value), a type (which could be a valuekeyed to a particular model), and a checksum for purposes of ensuringdata integrity. What is important is that a location of memory,preferably non-volatile, that is not readily user accessible may be usedto store model key information in a manner that special software mayread and modify the model key information.

Preferably used in conjunction with a “hidden” model number key, is ahardware encoded backplane configuration, preferred implementations ofwhich will be discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 49B-49D. In accordancewith such embodiments, values are encoded into the hardware of thesystem backplane, such as via pull up or pull down resistors, which maybe used to provided further information regarding the particular model,chassis type, etc. FIG. 49B illustrates various data bus lines 620traversing card slots 621 on an exemplary backplane. Resistors 622either pull up the data bus lines, or pull down the data bus lines, in aselective manner so that a number may be encoded into the hardware ofthe backplane. In the illustrated four line example, a number of 1001could be encoded, with a pull up, followed by two pull downs, followedby a pull up, etc. The encoded information could be read by, forexample, attempting to read an empty slot on the backplane (i.e.,reading a location in which no cards would be driving the data lines ofthe backplane so that the encoded pull up/pull down data may be read.

As illustrated in FIG. 49C, however, in alternative embodiments anaddress of a particular card is read, where the card has been designedto have one address that simply allows the data bus pull up/pull downinformation to flow through to the requesting unit. For example, aprocessor on motherboard 624 could attempt to read a particular addressof exemplary resource switch card 623. The particular address ofresource switch card 623, however, is designed so that the variouselements of resource switch card 623 that may couple to either of buses626 or 620 do not respond, while bus interfaces 628 allow the backplaneencoded pull up/pull down information to pass from data bus 620 throughresource switch card 623 to bus 626 (which may be a standard PC-typebus, such as an ISA bus) and motherboard 624. Thus, motherboard 624,which may be accessed remotely (as described elsewhere herein), may“poll” the hardware and determine the backplane encoded information byreading the particular address (the use of such a particular address isillustrated in FIG. 49D, which illustrates a bus read address of thelocation of the memory map allocated to resource switch card 623).

The model key information, which may be stored in the RTC memory, andthe backplane encoded information may desirably be utilized incombination. For example, the backplane encoded information could defineparticular chassis types, which may also indicate electrical or othercharacteristics of the particular backplane. For example, certain cardsthat a user may attempt to install in a particular backplane may not becompatible with that backplane (such as, for example, cards that attachto appliances that have power consumption requirements that are notsuited for the particular backplane). In this manner, if someoneattempts to install software for cards that are incompatible with thebackplane, a software utility could interrogate the backplane anddetermine if the backplane is suitable for the cards that are attemptedto be installed, etc. In addition, the model key information in the RTCmemory could be used to ascertain whether the user is properlyauthorized for certain software upgrades or the like; for example, aparticular software upgrade, even if obtained by the user, may not beoperable unless the software upgraded is indicated asauthorized/compatible with the model key information and backplaneencoded information (this can also be applied to controllably makingavailable functionality that is built into the hardware, but for whichthe particular user has not obtained the necessary licenses, etc.). Aswill be appreciated, the use of model key information, and encodedbackplane information, may be used to provide desirable ways ofdistributing, remotely interrogating, and upgrading such systems.

As previously described herein, communication systems 50 may bedesirably used to provide integrated voice, data and videocommunications services to users in a variety of environments. Suchcomplex systems, however, incur costs associated with manufacturing anddeploying such systems. Typically, as part of the manufacturing ordeployment process, a system is manufactured or installed, and atechnique attaches a keyboard and monitor and installs the necessarysoftware and configures the system. In the manufacturing environment,this might be conducted as part of a pre-shipment test of the system.While such manufacturing and deployment may be effectively utilized,there is a cost associated with such activities. In addition to beingable to be manufactured and deployed in such a manner, in accordancewith the present invention such systems may be manufactured and/ordeployed in a “headless” manner.

Preferably, a deployment disk, which may be a CDROM or similar media, isprovided with the particular system being manufactured or deployed. Suchdeployment disk may, for example, load an image of a latest or upgradedsoftware release onto a disk drive of the system (this may be a cloningof an image on the CD ROM, etc.). It may update or load BIOS settings ona motherboard included in the system. It may also detect a model key orbackplane encoded information (such as previously described herein) toensure compatibility between the deployment disk and the particularhardware on which the software is being deployed. Similarly, it may alsorun a keying application that, depending upon such checks, updates orinitially inputs model key information that may be stored in the system(again, such as previously described).

In general, a deployment disk in accordance with the present inventionrequires physical access to the system, and preferably provides formaintenance and setup functions that generally cannot be performedremotely. It preferably is a bootable CDROM, and as such, must beinserted into the system drive. To begin the process, the user must bootthe system from the deployment CDROM. Preferably, the deployment diskwill prevent a disk image from being applied to a non-compatible system.Still preferably, only systems that can be successfully pass anevaluation of the model key and/or backplane encoded information will beconsidered valid systems.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, aheadless mode is provided to eliminate the need to install a head on thesystem in the field. Headless operation provides a simple and expedientmeans to deploy software onto the system. The user requires physicalaccess to the system, but no keyboard is required in order to executethe option. The user preferably interfaces via the red power button on aresource switch or other card in the system. Visual and audible promptsand feedback preferably are provided to indicate that the user needs toconfirm the load action. This is important to the present invention, dueto the irreversible affect of cloning over an existing installation.Likewise, visual and audible queues are given to indicate success orfailure, once the load action has completed.

An exemplary process flow for use of such a deployment disk is asfollows. The system may be shutdown, and the system restarted with thedeployment disk inserted into the CD ROM drive while the system isbooting up (in certain embodiments, certain cards may be removed fromthe system that are not necessary for software deployment). Upon bootup,the system preferably provides a beep or series of beeps that providesan audible indication that the deployment disk is in the CD ROM driveand has been recognized by the system. Preferably, one or more cards inthe system, such as a resource switch card, will provide visualfeedback, such as by blinking LEDs, which indicate that the system isready to proceed. Preferably, a physical button must be depressed for asufficient, predetermined length of time, which serves to ensure thatthe installer intends to deploy the software. Preferably a change in theaudible output occurs so that feedback is provided, which may beaccompanied by other visual feedback, that the deployment process hasproperly commenced. Initially, the program preferably verifies thesystem BIOS, and the model key, and upgrades them if necessary (this maybe accompanied by a check of backplane encoding information as well).Thereafter, files from the CD ROM preferably are copied onto a hard diskof the system. If successfully deployed, an audible tone is emitted toindicate successful deployment, which is preferably accompanied byvisual feedback as well. Still preferably, the CD ROM is automaticallyejected at the end of the process (typically the system must be rebootedin order to operate in accordance with the newly deployed software).

In preferred embodiments, if an incompatibility is detected at aninitial stage of deployment, the CD ROM is ejected and an indication isprovided that the deployment failed. If a deployment fails in the middleof the process, a different type of audible or visual feedback isprovided (a partial deployment may indicate a need for more intensivetechnical assistance, etc.). For the many installations, tests of newequipment or other deployments where no problems occur, such headlessdeployment provides substantial advantages in that unnecessary time andexpense associated with headed and technician/labor intensive deploymentis avoided.

Referring now to FIG. 50A, an alternate preferred embodiment will now bedescribed.

As previously described, communications system 50 preferably includesrouter capabilities by virtue of either the RRAS (Routing and RemoteAccess Service) module in Windows NT (e.g., part of processor/systemresources 70), or via a separate router card (such as the VIOS/Cisco1600 router card provided by the assignee of the present invention; see,e.g., also router/bridge 83). Thus, communication system 50 preferablyprovides one or more network/data routing resources integral tocommunication system 50. In certain situations, however, users mayalready have existing external routers, or other data equipment withV.35 ports, such as videoconferencing units, and in such situation itmay be desirable to continue to use that equipment in conjunction withcommunications system 50. In accordance with alternative preferredembodiments, a preferably expansion module is provided that includes a‘drop and insert’ (DNI) capability by which an existing router (or otherV.35 data equipment) can be connected to the DNI module preferably via aV.35 synchronous serial port. In particular such preferred embodiments,a T-1 WAN connection of the external router will no longer be necessaryand the data can be shared on a T-1 connection already connected tocommunications system 50. Such an arrangement allows both voice and datato be shared on the same T-1 or fractional-T-1 digital trunk, instead ofhaving separate digital trunks for voice and data.

Referring to FIG. 50A, DNI module 700 provides an improvement to anexisting T-1 interface module, which preferably allows a variable numberof data channels from T-1 connection 740 to be split off and sent toexternal router (or other equipment) 710 preferably via V.35 serialcable 742. DNI module 700 preferably is plugged into a backplaneconnector of communications system 50, giving it access to control bus92 and TDM bus 78. A switching/control logic block is provided, which ina particular preferred embodiment is implemented with Field ProgrammableGate Array (FPGA) 702 (the present invention is not limited to the useof an FPGA but other circuit structures for implementing the describedswitching/control operations also are within the scope of the presentinvention). FPGA 702 preferably is programmed to gate one of the TDMstreams (e.g., 16 streams) from TDM bus 78 to secondary TDM bus 720 toprovide the data connection for FALC 704. FALC (Framing And LineController) 704 preferably is the physical layer interface chip as isknown in the art for T-1 WAN connection 740 providing, in this preferredembodiment, both voice and data transport. FALC 704 includes a lineinterface transceiver which meets both long-haul and short-haultransmission requirements, eliminating need for an external CSU (ChannelService Unit) or CSU/DSU (Data Service Unit). FALC 704 preferably alsoincludes all T-1 framing functions and signaling channel controllerfunctions for both the older CAS (Channel Associated Signaling) andnewer CCS (Common Channel Signaling or ISDN-PRI) variants of T-1protocol.

In certain previously described embodiments a T-1 interface module wasdisclosed. Such a previously described T-1 interface module wascontemplated to carry both voice and data streams from TDM bus 78, whichmay be considered to have been directed by FPGA 702 over internalpathway 722 to secondary TDM bus 720, where they would be processed byFALC 704 for connection to the T-1 740. In the present describedalternative preferred embodiment, a pre-designated number of datachannels from T-1 740 can instead be controlled to be provided over FPGAinternal pathway 724 to V.35 transceiver 706 and sent out over V.35synchronous serial port 742 to an external router 710. In accordancewith such embodiments, FALC 704 preferably is programmed to pass thosedesignated channels through in ‘clear channel’ mode, without anyprocessing. The V.35 port is an industry standard unframed synchronousserial port that is common to routers. The present embodiment of the DNImodule uses a DB-60 connector in a ‘5-in-1’ deployment which similarlyis a standard used by the dominant router vendor (Cisco).

In accordance with such embodiments, a user may deploy communicationssystem 50 for all its voice capabilities, and enjoy continued use of anexisting router for data connectivity, and still take advantage of thecost savings of integrating both voice and data connections on singleT-1 740. Alternatively, it allows use of a VCU (Video Conferencing Unit)with a V.35 port to share the same T-1 with communications system 50. Aswith the previously described embodiment of the T-1 interface module,both CAS and CCS variants of T-1 protocol are supported with thisalternative embodiment. Also, the presently described embodiments arenot limited to T-1 services, but more generally are applicable to ISDN,PRI and other and varied versions thereof, included those that supportSINA services (Static Integrated Network Access services). What isimportant is that communication system 50 couple to a digital networkthat includes channels or other bandwidth allocations for voice anddata, and the DNI module of the present invention allows data from anexternal router or other external equipment to be coupled to part or allof the data channels while the system is coupling voice data to thevoice channels, etc.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, with appropriate softwareconfiguration, DNI module 700 is deployed such that the data portion ofT-1 740 is bifurcated in FPGA 702, such that some portion of acustomer's data bandwidth is sent over internal pathway 724 to externalrouter 710 while the remaining portion could instead be sent overinternal pathway 722 for termination and use by other data resources ofcommunications system 50, e.g. the internal RRAS or VIOS routers aspreviously described. Such a deployment would further expand and enhancethe data processing resources available to a customer of communicationssystem 50.

In yet another alternate preferred embodiment, with appropriate softwareconfiguration, DNI module 700 is deployed such that the data bandwidthassociated with the V.35 port could be directed over internal pathway726 and onto a TDM stream where, for example, by way of TDM switch 74 itis connected to any of various system resources, e.g., another WAN porton another module. Such a deployment is particularly advantageous in afail-over scenario, where if there is a fault with external router 710,an SNMP network management application could detect the problem anddirect communications system 50 (via SNMP packets received bycommunication system 50 over a packet bus) to configure an alternatepathway for the data onto the WAN. Thus, a first external data routingresource is utilized at a first point in time, and at a second point anSNMP message informs communication system 50 of a problem with the firstexternal data routing resource; after the second point in time,communication system 50 controls the transmission of data via routingresources internal to communication system 50, etc.

It should be noted that via the LAN connection to external router 710,external router 710 may also couple data to communication system 50, asthey are both couplable to the same LAN (although such is not expresslyshown in FIG. 50A).

Referring now to FIG. 50B, an alternate preferred embodiment will now bedescribed.

As previously described, preferred embodiments of the present inventionincorporate one or more TDM buses 78 (see, e.g., FIG. 3 and relateddescription), to which are coupled various data streams under control ofswitch/multiplexer 74. As will be appreciated from the previousdescription herein, the data streams capable of being carried over TDMbus 78 is limited by the capabilities of switch/multiplexer 74 and theassociated cards coupled thereto (both in terms of number ofconductors/steams supported, and in the clock rate for thoseconductors/streams, etc.).

In preferred embodiments, as previously described, communications system50 incorporates one or TDM buses and preferably TDM bus 78 which iscommon to all the backplane expansion connectors 402, 404 (see FIG. 3Aand related description). An initially described embodiment utilized an8×8 TDM switch (i.e., switch/mux 74) which would switch between 8streams in and 8 streams out. At the standard MVIP clock rate of 2 MHz,with 64 kbps allocated to each timeslot, there are 32 timeslots orchannels per stream. Eight streams times 32 channels per stream providesfor a maximum 256×256 channel switch fabric. This allows for up to 128connected calls at once, since one channel is required for eachdirection of a call.

The flexible nature of the multi-bus backplane architecture inaccordance with the present invention, however, allows for expansion ofthe switch fabric by adding a larger capacity TDM switch. This enablescommunications system 50 to handle increased numbers of phones, digitaland analog trunks, TAPI/WAV ports, and an increased number ofsimultaneously connected calls. In a presently-described alternativepreferred embodiment, for example, a larger capacity 16×16 stream TDMswitch on an expansion module can be added to the system, whichincreases switching capacity to 512×512 channels.

Furthermore, the improved TDM switches preferably can accommodateisochronous TDM data at not only the traditional 2 MHz clock rate butalso at 4 MHz and at 8 MHz (as discussed elsewhere with respect to clocksync 455 and improved clock sync 464). By designating some streams torun at the faster 8 MHz, the system can leverage the improvedperformance of such newer TDM switches and newer DSP resources 76 whichwill operate at the higher speeds. At 8 MHz each stream can accommodate128 channels, so with 16×16 streams this allows for a theoreticalmaximum switch fabric capacity of 2048×2048 channels and 1024simultaneously connected calls.

The theoretical system switching capacity could be considered to belarger still since the original switch/mux 74 is not disabled, howeverin this preferred embodiment its function preferably is controlled to belimited to providing connectivity for buffer/framer 72. Also, inpreferred embodiments, the system maximum switching capacity is lessthan the full 2048×2048 because some number of streams are dedicated tosupporting the older station and trunk cards running at 2 MHz.Regardless of the actual maximum number of channels supported, oneskilled in the art will realize that the basic multi-bus backplanearchitecture will allow for further addition of TDM switch resources,allowing for flexibility of further system expansion.

Referring to FIG. 50B, the presently described preferred embodimentcontemplates the addition of such improved TDM switch 74A, whichpreferably is managed by the same control bus 92 as the original TDMswitch 74, and which is connected to the same system TDM bus 78 over bus90A. Bus 90A, however, preferably connects to the full complement ofavailable streams, unlike bus 90 and TDM switch 74.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, in such alternative preferredembodiments, a scalable or upgradable TDM switch fabric (i.e., e.g.,TDM-controlling switch/MUX) may be provided. For example, in oneembodiment, at a first point in time a system is first sold, installedand utilized with a first TDM capacity, using a first TDM switch/MUXcontrolling a first set of TDM streams operating at a first frequency.Preferably a first set of line and other cards (e.g., DSP resources) areprovided to provide or receive the first set of TDM streams. At a secondpoint in time the system is upgraded by installation of a second TDMswitch/MUX; the second switch MUX controls the first set of TDM streamsoperating at the first frequency and also controls a second set of TDMstreams operating at second frequency, which is a frequency differentand preferably higher as compared to the first frequency. With at leastsome of the first cards coupled to the TDM bus, the second TDMswitch/MUX couples TDM streams to and from the first cards using thefirst streams at the first frequency, while concurrently coupling TDMstreams to and from the second cards using the second streams at thesecond frequency. In certain preferred embodiments, the first switch/MUXoperates concurrently with the second switch/MUX to couple streams toand from the TDM bus (e.g., from an HDLC or multi-protocol framingengine, etc., such as previously described), while the first switch/MUXdoes not operate to control the TDM bus, as this function is carried outby the second switch/MUX, etc.

The foregoing aspect of the present invention may also be used in themanufacture of such systems, wherein the manufacturing process selectsonly the first switch/MUX or both the first switch/MUX and the secondswitch/MUX or only the second switch/MUX depending on the number oftelephones and other resources that the particular customer hasrequested. While some inefficiencies may result (e.g., added conductorsin the backplane that are not utilized by the first switch/MUX), addedefficiencies are provided to the extent that such scalable switch/MUXarchitectures add to the overall manufacturing efficiency. For example,a single chassis may be provided and populated with cards at the eitherfirst frequency and/or the second frequency and with the firstswitch/MUX and/or the second switch/MUX depending on the particularcustomer requirements, etc. As before, a system so manufactured alsocould be upgraded later (e.g., in the field) by later installing thesecond switch/MUX and preferably controlling the first/switch MUX tooperate concurrently to couple streams at the first frequency to the TDMbus, such as previously described, etc.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificpreferred and other embodiments, it is evident that many substitutions,alternatives and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the artin light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the invention isintended to embrace all of the alternatives and variations that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, itshould be understood that, in accordance with the various alternativeembodiments described herein, various systems; and uses and methodsbased on such systems, may be obtained. The various refinements andalternative and additional features also described may be combined toprovide additional advantageous combinations and the like in accordancewith the present invention. Also as will be understood by those skilledin the art based on the foregoing description, various aspects of thepreferred embodiments may be used in various subcombinations to achieveat least certain of the benefits and attributes described herein, andsuch subcombinations also are within the scope of the present invention.All such refinements, enhancements and further uses of the presentinvention are within the scope of the present invention.

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. An integrated communication systemcoupled to a digital telecommunications link having voice and datachannels, comprising: a first bus adapted for transferring datacommunications to and from the integrated communication system; a secondbus adapted for transferring voice communications to and from theintegrated communication system; switching/routing circuitry internal tothe integrated communication system; and a network interface module,wherein the network interface module couples the data communications toand from a LAN equipment external to the integrated communication systemvia the first bus; wherein the data communications are coupled via theswitching/routing circuitry to a first set of one or more channels ofthe digital telecommunications link, wherein the voice communicationsare coupled via the switching/routing circuitry to a second set of oneor more channels of the digital telecommunications link; and wherein thevoice communications and the data communications are provided to aplurality of users.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the digitaltelecommunications link is a T-1 link.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereinthe digital telecommunications link is a time division multiplexed (TDM)link.
 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the first bus is adapted tointercommunicate with an Ethernet network.
 7. The system of claim 4,wherein the second bus is adapted to intercommunicate with a WANnetwork.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the LAN equipment is arouter.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein: at a first point in time, theintegrated communication system transfers data communications via thefirst set of one or more channels of the digital telecommunicationslink; at a second point in time the integrated communication systemdetects a problem, wherein after the second point in time theswitching/routing circuitry determines an alternate pathway for the datacommunications.
 10. The system of claim 7 wherein the problem isdetected via packets received by the integrated communications system.11. The system of claim 7, wherein the problem is detected via SNMPpackets received by the integrated communications system.
 12. The systemof claim 7, wherein the problem comprises a fail-over scenario.
 13. Amethod for operating an integrated communication system coupled to adigital telecommunications link having voice and data channels,comprising: providing a first bus adapted for transferring datacommunications to and from the integrated communication system;providing a second bus adapted for transferring voice communications toand from the integrated communication system; providingswitching/routing circuitry internal to the integrated communicationsystem; and providing a network interface module, wherein the networkinterface module couples the data communications to and from a LANequipment external to the integrated communication system via the firstbus; wherein the data communications are coupled via theswitching/routing circuitry to a first set of one or more channels ofthe digital telecommunications link, wherein the voice communicationsare coupled via the switching/routing circuitry to a second set of oneor more channels of the digital telecommunications link; and wherein thevoice communications and the data communications are provided to aplurality of users.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the digitaltelecommunications link is a T-1 link.
 15. The method of claim 11,wherein the digital telecommunications link is a time divisionmultiplexed (TDM) link.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the firstbus is adapted to intercommunicate with an Ethernet network.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the second bus is adapted tointercommunicate with a WAN network.
 18. The method of claim 15, whereinthe LAN equipment is a router.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein: at afirst point in time, the integrated communication system transfers datacommunications via the first set of one or more channels of the digitaltelecommunications link; at a second point in time the integratedcommunication system detects a problem, wherein after the second pointin time the switching/routing circuitry determines an alternate pathwayfor the data communications.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein theproblem is detected via packets received by the integratedcommunications system.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the problemis detected via SNMP packets received by the integrated communicationssystem.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the problem comprises afail-over scenario.